When it comes to divorce, it is imperative to choose the best lawyer for the proceedings to protect your rights and best interests. However, what do you need to know in order to make the best choice possible?
The following are the five factors you must consider when hiring a divorce lawyer:
- What experience does the lawyer have in family law? Attorneys come in various levels of experience and knowledge of specific areas of the law. A lawyer’s experience with clients dealing with divorce, as well as their understanding of the family court system, is imperative in providing reliable legal representation. Ask your prospective attorney how long they have been practicing family law, the more years of experience the better.
- How familiar is your lawyer about your particular situation? Every family has their own unique set of circumstances. Once you determine your lawyer’s experience level, now you must narrow your focus and look into your specific situation. What overbearing obstacles (property division, child custody, alimony, etc.) are present in your divorce?
- What is the relationship like between the attorney and your family law judge? When it comes to your proceedings, proper venue is determined by the county where either spouse lives. Having a lawyer who has experienced working with family court judges in that specific venue can give you an advantage. While this familiarity can play a vital role in a divorce trial, it can also be helpful in the early settlement conference state and early motion stage of divorce.
- What are the costs? Lawyers come with a variety of billing practices. You should discuss the basic cost information, such as an initial retainer, hourly billing practices of any law office worker on your case, the potential third-party costs. You can even ask for the expected total costs if a divorce either becomes hotly contested or stays moderately contested.
- Are your personalities compatible with one another? It is imperative to feel comfortable with one another in order to communicate easily about all of the issues. Clients need to feel that their lawyer fully understands their situation and can develop a legal strategy that is easy to understand and trustworthy. When urgent issues arise, you want your attorney and their staff to communicate the next course of action effectively.
If you are interested in experienced legal help filing for divorce in Missouri, contact Smith Law Offices and schedule a consultation with our St. Charles divorce lawyer today.