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How To Find A Good Divorce Attorney

For most, a divorce is a very stressful process that leaves everyone involved with a feeling of emotional exhaustion. When dealing with divorce laws varying from one state to the next, the possibility of alimony, child custody and the filing of complicated divorce papers, it may be a good idea to meet with a divorce attorney for professional advice surrounding local divorce laws and any other factors that may affect your case. When searching for the right divorce lawyer, it's important to note that there is a considerable difference between a good divorce attorney and the right divorce attorney for you. There may be dozens of qualified divorce lawyers in your area, but finding the one that will work to achieve your needs will ultimately be the best divorce lawyer for you.

When searching for a divorce attorney, most people's first reaction is to grab the telephone book and start flipping through the yellow pages. While this is a good place to start, choosing a divorce lawyer requires much more thought than simply picking a name at random. Attorneys specialize in different areas, which is why it's important to make sure the one you choose is experienced in handling divorce cases. Once you have made a list of local divorce lawyers to contact, your next step is to schedule a consultation with at least three different attorneys. This is essential in your decision as it will help you to get a better idea as to your options and how a different divorce lawyer may handle your case. In addition, meeting with different divorce lawyers will help you to compare rates and ultimately choose the attorney that you feel the most comfortable with.

During your consultation, a good divorce attorney will be able to answer your questions about local divorce laws, child custody laws and will likely be able to offer valuable advice on divorce. In many cases, couples can resolve the division of assets and custody matters through divorce mediation. Others, who are unable to reach an amicable solution, must proceed to divorce court where a judge will hear the circumstances of the case and will issue a ruling as to the division of assets, alimony (when applicable) and child custody.

The complexity of a divorce case will greatly determine the attorney fees, which will be discussed during your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer. When discussing your case, it is essential that you inquire about these rates, how and when they are to be paid and who is responsible for paying them. As a general rule, the more work that is done and time spent on a case, the higher the attorney fees will be. If a divorce case is concluded outside of divorce court, the costs are likely to be less than if that same case were to proceed to trial.

Once an agreement is reached and you have chosen the right divorce attorney for your case, a retainer agreement will be signed by both you and the attorney. This contract is simply a formal written agreement that outlines the services to be offered and the cost of said services. A copy of this agreement will be kept on file at the office of your divorce lawyer and a copy will also be provided to you for safekeeping.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice regarding divorce. If you are in need of divorce advice or are considering a marriage separation, consult with a professional divorce lawyer in your area for further information and/or divorce advice.
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Andrew Daigle is an author and creator of many informational websites including Divorce Attorney Search, Mesothelioma Attorney Search and many more.

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26 Comments:

Blogger Madison Perry said...

I have a question about this post. Will you please contact me at perrylmadison@gmail.com when you get a chance? Thank you in advance.

12/9/08, 10:18 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your family law case is a very important decision. Perhaps the best way to decide which divorce lawyer to use for your divorce case is to find out what former clients have to say about that lawyer. While divorce is never an enjoyable process, some divorce lawyers have more success at satisfying their clients than others. When a client becomes dissatisfied with a divorce lawyer, one of the most common complaints is that they were unable to communicate with the lawyer. It is very important that your divorce lawyer be accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails, and requests for meetings. Visit Professional negligence claims for more information.

1/22/10, 10:49 PM  
Blogger Pavan sharma said...

Should a doctor be allowed to pick and choose his patients, then?”. A lawyer could not be similar to a doctor, since a lawyer may choose who he/she wishes to fight its cases on. When a victim of crime meets with a lawyer and explains he/shes case, the lawyer right than has a choice, in saying he/she is right and his justice when against law. A lawyer even has a choice, by saying i believe he/shes client is injustice to law, and still may fight a case going with the client, saying he/she is serving justice to law. This makes the case gradually harder, so basically lawyers have an opportunity to choose clients.

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2/15/10, 3:00 AM  
Blogger Elison Duncan said...

This is really best blog on divorce attorney I have read. There is really big impact on children life after parents divorce.

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5/23/12, 2:50 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It is indeed essential to get a good divorce lawyer for you, especially if your case is a bit complex. The situation might include child custody, share on properties, and other relevant matters. You would also want to check if the lawyer has handled a similar case as yours. Also, try to find out if he’s winning cases or not. You will enter a battle field, and what you want is to win with the help of an expert lawyer. A good lawyer will always find ways to win!

Marlin Sayle

7/16/12, 1:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks for all of this information. What a great site! My daughter has been looking for different attorneys in olympia wa. You have helped with what we are looking for.

7/23/12, 9:34 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

As a (no longer practising) divorce attorney myself, I have compiled the 10 ultimate rules on how to find the best lawyer: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/how-to-find-a-good-lawyer/

7/28/12, 4:55 AM  
Blogger mfaustman said...

Finding a divorce lawyer is really difficult and a frustrating process especially when you are trying to keep your life private. We created UpCounsel to make this process much easier on the everyday individual. We help you start finding lawyer for legal services or advice in less than 5 minutes and make sure you get an attorney that meets your budget for a divorce.

8/5/12, 5:13 PM  
Blogger Dave said...

This article is falsely labeled. I came here looking for advice on how to find a good divorce attorney and this article does not even begin to do that. All it does is give advice on how to know if the (hopefully good) attorney that you've somehow already found is compatible. It doesn't tell you how to find a good attorney or how to know if an attorney is any good. I was very disappointed because I am back where I started.

8/8/12, 8:59 AM  
Blogger StephaniePumphrey said...

An experienced divorce lawyer will inform you of all your legal rights and will represent your best interests in court. An incompetent or unqualified divorce lawyer can put you at a significant disadvantage in the courtroom, especially if the other side has an attorney. You can also find some competent lawyers in Divorce Lawyers Mississauga .

8/10/12, 7:44 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi there! You have such a wonderful and informative page. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with this issue. I'll be looking forward to be visiting this site again and for your other posts as well to keep updated. Keep it up!
Prior to the late 1960s, nearly all countries that permitted divorce also required proof by one party that the other party had committed an act incompatible to the marriage. This was termed "grounds" for divorce (popularly called "fault") and was the only way to terminate a marriage. Most jurisdictions around the world still require such proof of fault. In the United States, no-fault divorce is now available in all 50 states.
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9/18/12, 1:32 PM  
Blogger Mike said...

“Attorneys specialize in different areas…” – True. Lawyers have their different fields of specialty. So start your search in a law firm specializing in family law and divorce. What you need is a divorce lawyer, and an experienced one at that. Narrow down your choices to the lawyers who have handled cases similar to your situation. The more years they have spent in the field, the more likely they are to be capable of handling your case expertly. But other than the years they have spent in the field, you should also look at their track record and if they have racked up a good number of wins over their time in the field. - Mike Clark

10/5/12, 12:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks for the help! I want the best family lawyer in Mississauga but don't know exactly how to tell the difference from a good one to a bad. It's a stressful situation so thanks again for the help.

10/25/12, 10:53 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Wow thanks for this. I have been looking for divorce lawyers here in Calgary. If any one know of any or has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks for any help and wish me luck

3/7/13, 2:16 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi there! great stuff, Thanks for sharing a very interesting and informative content, it helps me a lot, keep it up!
The Family Courts of Suffolk County do not hear divorce or separation cases; these matters are heard in the Supreme Court. However, you may file a petition with the Family Court to modify or enforce the divorce or separation order of the Supreme Court where it concerns visitation, custody, or child support.

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3/13/13, 9:27 PM  
Blogger tyleragent said...

Thanks for the post, and I need help in finding a icbc lawyer and I thought that I could get help here. Because I found http://taylorandblair.com and I wanted to get a second opinion on them before I gave them a call.

4/19/13, 10:08 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

A very interesting and well-detailed blog! I hope to see more of your write ups.Child custody and support are the most emotionally charged aspects of divorce. Our custody support lawyers understand what you may be going through at this time in your life, and help you to start fresh.
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4/30/13, 5:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I think sometimes it's hard to find the "perfect" lawyer, because every one's cases are so different. in Oakville, lawyers are pretty easy to find, but you never know which one is perfect for your case. If you could make another post about that topic, it would be greatly appreciated.

6/14/13, 3:40 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am looking for an Oklahoma divorce lawyer, does anyone know a reputable one?

9/24/13, 6:59 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

A very nice read, It really helped me understand what was going on when my parents got divorced about ten years ago. At the time I was really confused and didn't really understand why everything was happening the way it did; but this post really cleared a lot of my questions. I really hope it will be able to help others through the hard times divorce brings, like it did for me.

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8/27/14, 5:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Smuprh Lin, I think you're right that it can be hard to find the "perfect" lawyer for your specific case. However, I think if you've asked around and found a lawyer that you work well with that has a good rate, that should be good enough. If you're looking for a divorce lawyer, you're already pretty stressed out and looking for a lawyer takes time. As for more articles on this topic, I would like to see articles about what questions to ask your lawyer when you're getting a consultation. http://www.holmanlawfirm.com/

11/5/14, 8:42 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I like the idea of finding a divorce lawyer that fits with the client's personality. My friend is getting a divorce, and I think that she would benefit from finding a lawyer that is sweet hearted, but can stand up and defend a client in the courtroom. With the divorce and everything that's going along with it, my friend is really in need of a shoulder, and I think that having a kind lawyer that knows what he's doing would be great for her. When she starts looking for an attorney, I'm going to mention that a when doing research, to also meet with the people so that she can get a feel for them, like you've suggested.

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12/22/14, 6:31 AM  
Blogger Ronald Swanson said...

My wife and I have been on the edge about getting a divorce for a while now, and we are finally doing it. I've been wondering whether or not I should get a divorce attorney, but after all the complications you've listed, I'm sold on getting one. I want this divorce to be over with as soon as possible, and going through all of the divorce papers, and the child custody, alimony, and on, and on. I think it would be the best move for me to get a divorce lawyer and just sacrifice a little extra cash to get a good one.
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2/18/15, 6:12 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I appreciate the point that was made distinguishing between a good divorce attorney and the right divorce attorney for someone. This article gives a lot of great tips, for finding the right one. I personally think that it's important to start by looking for personal references. People you know and trust can give the best references for this type of lawyer. Then like the author says contact multiple firms to compare rates and attitudes. With that information, you can find the right attorney for you. http://sheffronlawfirm.net/practice_areas/divorce

2/20/15, 1:57 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It's true, selecting a divorce attorney is a very important decision. I don't necessarily know that people go to the phone book first to look for a good lawyer, though. I feel like a lot of the decision has to do with word of mouth. If friends recommend a lawyer, you're more likely to go that route. I also would like to point out that there's no "perfect" lawyer. Each case will be different, just as each lawyer will have different strengths. You've got to look at each situation individually.
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2/24/15, 8:49 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love what you said about NOT turning to the yellow pages right away. It's crucial that you get to know your lawyer personally and feel comfortable with them. Like you said, a consultation is the best way to find the right lawyer. Divorce is never easy to go through. Having a divorce lawyer can guarantee that you don't go through it alone, though. Thank goodness they exist for that reason! http://backuslawgroup.com/

3/23/15, 8:52 PM  

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