Considering Divorce:  Is A Lawyer Necessary?

                           How To Retain One 

 

You are considering one of the most traumatic experiences you will face in your lifetime.  Do Not take it lightly.  Before you contact an attorney, investigate all other options before divorcing.  Certainly see a good relationship therapist to see if things can be worked out.

 

If you conclude that divorce is the only answer, several questions must be answered before you can know if an attorney is necessary or not.

 

 

                         Is A Lawyer In Your Best Interests?

 

You need to be able to answer these questions:  Is the divorce contested? 

 

Is custody of children at issue?

 

Are there issues involving property, both real and personal?

 

If the answer to any of the above is , "yes", then, while not REQUIRED, it is the prudent thing to retain someone to represent your best interests. 

 

An attorney can help to guide you through this difficult period and protect your rights.

 

A good attorney can also help to keep things on track, less emotional, and more goal oriented.

 

                                   How To Retain An Attorney

 

There are many ways to retain an attorney.  Contact your local bar association for a referral.  Ask friends and family for recommendations.  If all else fails, check the yellow pages.

 

The most important factor is that you be comfortable with your potential attorney.

 

Discuss your objectives with anyone that you might hire and feel clear that he or she will be able to help you to reach them or will explain up front why they are not attainable.

 

Be clear about fees up front and also about methods of contacting anyone that you might

retain.  Do they call back in a timely manner.  Who is your contact person at the firm?

 

Most attorneys are ethical and will work diligently to satisfy your objectives if the objectives are realistic.  Make sure you are clear about what you want and if you are not, ask the prospective attorney to help you understand what is possible.

 

I think that it is a good idea to interview several prospective attorneys before hiring one.  Most attorneys provide an initial consult free of charge.

 

                          Some Questions To Ask:

 

How long have you been in practice?

 

How many cases have you handles like mine?  How did they turn out?

 

Are you willing and able to follow my requests as long as they are legal and ethical?

 

What are your fees and how are they billed?

 

 

Did you know?  There are attorneys that push people toward divorce even when there are other solutions.  Beware of attorneys that want to hurry you along into a divorce decision when you may  not be ready. And there are attorneys that like to run their fees up by doing things that are unnecessary.  This is why a comparison of attorneys is a good idea.