No one likes planning for a divorce. The process itself is a numbing one that, depending on your circumstances, can call for a rather hefty time commitment. In the midst of such a draining process, the last thing you need to worry about is an incompetent lawyer or an attorney not able to deliver on what you expect from your divorce. With that in mind, finding a trained professional is the strongest first step you can take towards a streamlined divorce process.
Of course that’s easier said than done. Before you even begin searching for an attorney you can trust, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for. Here are a few tips perfect for narrowing your search and saving you a few headaches in the process.
Decide Your Game Plan
Many forget that divorce doesn’t always have to devolve into the messy arguments that grace our favorite drama shows. In fact, there are a few different divorce procedures, many of which don’t involve battling in court.
Take a moment to consult with yourself and your spouse and decide on how you two would like to proceed with your separation. If you plan on mediating, you’ll need a neutral third party who can meet with you and resolve the issues without further legal involvement. Others who feel litigation is necessary will need to find a lawyer capable of protecting their rights in court.
Once you know how you plan to proceed, you can then narrow your search to attorneys trained in that specific method.
Decide On the Service You Really Need
Depending on their circumstances, two people looking for a divorce could need entirely different legal services. For example, someone with a long standing marriage, children, and a complicated financial situation could require a lawyer with a little more experience dealing with things like custody, litigation, and so on. Conversely, others with a short lived marriage and no children could simply get by with a consultation.
Take stock of your situation and ask yourself if you really need legal protection or if something a little more reserved could be all that is necessary. Not only will this save you money, it can shave off quite a bit of unneeded stress from this rather bleak process.
Ask Around
Starting your search online is a sure fire way to overwhelm yourself. With so many different firms and professionals, where can you even begin? Starting with your friends and family could be a good idea!
Speak to someone you’re comfortable with about their experiences with a divorce lawyer and ask for their honest opinion. Not only does this allow you to receive an inside look at what it’s like to work with that firm, it gives you a chance to ask your most important questions before having to set up a consultation. Make a list of your biggest deal breakers as far as an attorney goes and search for any red flags when discussing them with your friend. From there, you can focus your consultations and meetings with lawyers you know pass your par of quality!
Conclusion
The perfect lawyer for your situation needs to be diligent, professional, and above all, well versed in working with individuals coming from backgrounds similar to your own. With enough research and self-reflection, you can save yourself from a complicated divorce and put this trial behind you fast.
Looking for a family law professional you can trust during this difficult procedure? Call on our firm’s vigorously trained staff or visit www.richardeyoungattorney.net to learn more about how we can help.
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