Did you know that selecting the right attorney can make or break your financial future? The divorce process is arduous and costly and if you make the mistake of selecting the wrong attorney, you will end up on the losing end, financially and emotionally!
First, you need to research attorneys who specialize in divorce or family law. There are links on this site that may help you with legal information. Personally, I would not look in the yellow pages. Word of mouth, in my opinion, is the best way to locate successful attorneys in your area. Another avenue might be to ask friends, who have been through divorces. Their opinions and recommendations may be invaluable to you. Remember that your friend’s partiality to a certain attorney, does not guarantee that the suggestion will guarantee a good fit for you.
Second, after you have obtained several names, the process of interviewing should begin. Many attorneys will not charge for the initial conference but will charge a retainer, upon being hired. Use that initial meeting to fact find.
Go to the conference, prepared with your own information such as length of marriage, ages of the children, incomes, positions held, etc. Bringing a time line, indicating marriage date, job changes, moves children’s ages, etc., is helpful. Your prepared expense statement will offer the potential attorney, a good idea of your financial situation.
During each interview, ask how the attorney bills. The most expensive attorney is not necessarily, the best one. The most inexpensive, on an hourly basis, might not mean that he is cheaper, in the long run. There may be costs that will be charged that will escalate your expenses. Do not be penny wise and pound foolish. Attorneys make a lot of money and that is OK. Remember that you do not always “get what you pay for.” Go with your gut.
Be sure to take notes during each interview. It is important to select an attorney that you are comfortable talking to and one who will work well with you. Be concise, with your questions. Ask about potential conflicts of interest. Beware of an attorney who tries to sell his abilities. A good attorney does not need to sell himself. His reputation does the selling. If an attorney states that he or she can stall the divorce process for you, look out! Except in very unique circumstances, this will only cost you more money and pay for his new BMW!
Please think twice, if an attorney asks you to put together a wish list. That is a waste of time and money and lures some women into thinking that they will fare better, than is realistic. Use the interviews to let the potential attorneys know about your expectations regarding the divorce and the costs.
Research in advance, the laws in your state, regarding the person who may or may not be responsible for the payment of your legal fees. Try to ask the same questions at each interview. That way, you may compare each person’s answer, which will help you in making your decision.
Third, subsequent to your deciding on an attorney, the divorce process begins. Remember, that after you hire an attorney, he is required by law, to keep your confidences. For your own welfare, you should etch in your brain, the fact that, attorneys like everyone else, face the temptation of placing personal financial gain ahead of your ultimate good. An honest and ethical attorney will not create ways to cause you undue expense, to the detriment of your pocketbook! In addition, you must take responsibility for avoiding emotional and financially costly arguments over inconsequential things.
Finally, there are a few warnings that you should not ignore. If your attorney or his assistant does not return your call within 24 hours, there may be a problem. Be VERY CAREFUL about signing a verification, without seeing the document for which the verification pertains! You can change attorneys, midstream but it is very costly because of the time necessary for the new attorney to catch up.
