Are You Comfortable with Your Attorney?
You should feel comfortable talking to your divorce attorney and trust that they always have your best interests in mind. You need to be able to trust your attorney and your initial interview with a divorce attorney is a good place to determine if you can trust him or her. It might be as simple as an attorney asking how you are doing to feel more comfortable with them. No one walks into a divorce attorney’s office on a winning streak. You are going through one of the toughest transitions and battles that you may have ever faced, so it is critical that you have an attorney on your side who understands that.
Is Your Attorney Available?
When a client becomes unhappy with a divorce lawyer, one of the most common complaints is that they were unable to communicate with their attorney. The truth is, attorneys are busy and are usually involved in many cases at one time. Find out how an attorney prefers to communicate with their clients before hiring him or her. Ask how quickly you should expect a response to an email you sent or voicemail you left. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may need an attorney who is available and able to meet all of your needs. Do not feel afraid to ask these tough questions. After all, you are hiring them, not the other way around.
What Can You Afford?
You should be prepared to ask your attorney how much they are going to be charging you. You should walk into an initial interview at a law firm with an understanding of your own budget and how much you can afford. Ask if you will be able to track their charges so you have an idea of how much you are going to have to pay as your case moves forward. This will lessen the chance of being surprised by fees later on. If you find that you probably cannot afford a particular divorce attorney, be upfront about it. He or she may be able to lower their rates a bit for you, or they can probably provide a few names of other attorneys that offer similar services within your price range.
What Is Their Reputation?
Before hiring your attorney, ask around to find out what other people think of him or her. The hiring of a divorce attorney shouldn’t be a daunting or scary process, and you shouldn’t be left having any regrets after deciding on an attorney. When making your choice, think about how the attorney makes you feel and how attentive they can be to you throughout your case. Most importantly, know your needs and allow them to guide your choice. Make an informed decision based on your own feelings and the information you’ve learned about a divorce attorney.
What Areas of Law Does Your Attorney Practice?
Many attorneys practice more than one area of law. One question you want to ask your attorney in your initial interview is what other areas of law he or she practices. Ask if your attorney specializes in divorce. Having a divorce attorney, like a divorce attorney in Dallas, TX, that focuses 100% of their time on divorce and child custody issues can be important, especially if your case is complex. An attorney that specializes only in family law may mean that your attorney knows all of the clerks and judges at the courthouse. An attorney who focuses only on family law will likely know all of the court procedures and who to contact when there is a case emergency.
Thanks to Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into some things to consider when hiring a divorce attorney.