Divorce can have an enormous influence on the trajectory of your life. Because of this, it is an excellent idea to hire a qualified divorce lawyer instead of filing the necessary paperwork yourself or representing yourself in court. To be sure, not everyone can afford legal representation. But if you are able to, it is usually a good investment.
Family Law Specialist
It’s advisable to hire a lawyer who specializes in family law. Many people rely on legal professionals who handle workers’ compensation cases, wills and trusts, and criminal defense cases. While such attorneys can be effective when handling divorce case, they are less likely to be up-to-date on the most recent family law rulings.
By contrast, someone who specializes in divorce law is likely to know about the most recent rulings. He or she will also know local judges and other court officials. That familiarity can be valuable.
Paying Your Attorney
Paying for a certified family law attorney involves three facets. First, you will be asked to pay a retainer fee. The fee varies by case, but can range between $1,500 to $5,000. Expenses incurred are deducted from the balance.
Second, once the retainer fee has been exhausted, the lawyer’s office will normally begin to bill monthly. You can work out an affordable monthly payment plan with your lawyer and his or her office manager.
Third, if your lawyer requests attorney fees in your initial divorce filing, there is a high likelihood the judge will assign payment of such fees to your ex-spouse. You may even be eligible for reimbursement of the attorney fees that you have already paid. Needless to say, it is highly recommended that you keep good records.
Pay Smart
If you lack sufficient funds to pay for your lawyer’s services in cash, consider using a credit card. It’s a good idea to do so before informing your spouse that you want a divorce. That way, you can ensure that you’ll have legal representation in the event your spouse decides to close all of your bank accounts and/or discontinue your credit cards.
He or she will be admonished in the ensuing paperwork not withdraw large sums of money or close the accounts. But people often behave irrationally after they have been served with divorce papers. So plan ahead.
Attorney Policies
It is recommended that you interview a few family law lawyers before choosing one to handle your case. But once you have made your decision, it is important to pay your retainer fee at that time. Doing so ensures you have representation and as noted earlier, ensures his or her services are paid for while you have access to the funds.
Also, clarify with the lawyer that he or she will accept phone calls and is willing to answer your questions as they arise. Having said that, realize that each contact is likely to increase your fees.
First Impressions
During your first office visit, make a mental note of what the lawyer’s office seems like. Does the staff seem disorganized? If so, think twice about retaining that firm’s services. Is the staff friendly? Do the people in the waiting room – i.e. clients, potential clients, etc. – appear reasonably normal?
First impressions are important when retaining an attorney. Oftentimes, the environment of the office, the behavior of the office staff, and the temperament of the clients is a useful barometer of the lawyer’s practice.
Goals And Concerns
During the first meeting, tell your new attorney what your ultimate goal is. This goal should be “to get a divorce.” Avoid hiring a lawyer who seems vindictive and suggests that you should “get even” with your spouse. The more prepared and rational you are, the more the judge will approve of your approach and tend to rule in your favor.
If you are concerned about your safety, discuss this with your attorney. He or she may want to request the court to issue a restraining order against your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Keep a copy of your restraining order in your purse and as close to the front door as possible. That way, if you need to call the police, you’ll be able to present your restraining order when they arrive.
Rest Assured
Rest assured that life eventually returns to normal. With over 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce, you are not alone. The right attorney can help make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let him or her do the worrying. Save your mental energy for when the time comes to start building a new and better life for yourself.