4 things to consider when hiring a divorce lawyer

Getting divorced is a very emotional time for everyone concerned. Not only do you have to deal with the fact that your marriage has ended, but you may have to consider child custody agreements, as well as how your finances will be split. It can be a rollercoaster, so you must hire the right lawyer to act on your behalf.

You may be tempted to pick a firm at random, but that isn’t likely to do you any favors in the long run. Instead, it is far better to take a bit of time and do some research before making a formal appointment. Here are 4 things to consider when hiring a divorce lawyer.

Do they do free consultations?

Although this isn’t a deal-breaker, hiring a lawyer that offers a free consultation can be worthwhile. It gives you the chance to establish the basic principles and procedures that you are likely to encounter. It is also a good chance to figure out if you are likely to feel comfortable working with them or not.

Do you find them approachable?

According to the Law Firm of Jeffrey Alan Aenlle, due to many couples not being on good terms when they separate, a large number of divorces begin as contested divorces. If you fall into this category, it is crucial you have a good connection with your lawyer and find them approachable. Appointing someone you feel intimidated by or you cannot be candid with is not likely to help you achieve the outcome you want.

How much do they charge?

Divorce can be expensive so, before appointing a lawyer, you must find out how much it's likely to cost. It will, of course, depend on how long it takes to agree on a settlement as most, if not all, divorce lawyers will charge by the hour. Although they will not be able to give you an exact figure, they should be in a position to provide an hourly rate and a ballpark figure based on how long they anticipate things taking.

What will you tell them?

If your divorce isn’t amicable, then you may be tempted to tell your lawyer a long back story about your marriage and how it led to divorce. Doing so, however, is a bad idea and could prove costly at the end of the day. You are more than likely being charged by the hour, so stick to the facts and keep the emotion out of it. They need to build as strong a case as they can for you, so although your lawyer will be sympathetic to your situation, you must remember that they are not there to provide counseling.

Conclusion

Getting divorced can be very upsetting and exhausting but can be made so much easier when you have the backing of a good, approachable lawyer. They will remove much of the stress, giving you time to plan your future and focus on building a new and happy life.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes