Headquarters
After deciding to file for divorce, selecting an attorney is the next major decision you must make.
This decision should not be made haphazardly. A lot of thought and research should go into this decision.
The competency and work of your attorney will have a direct impact on you, your children, and your financial situation for years to come.
You should use the same approach when choosing an attorney that an employer uses when selecting prospective employees.
Interview them and check their references.
Remember the attorney will be working for you, so choose carefully and choose wisely. EXPERIENCE
- How long have you been an attorney?
- How many matrimonial cases have you handled?
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to matrimonial?
- What is your experience in cases involving custody? (ask only if custody is an issue).
- What is your hourly rate?
- Can my case be handled for a set fee instead of a hourly rate?
- What services are charged for, ie copying, court fees etc.?
- Is a retainer required? If so, how much?
- When is your fee due?
- Can I make payments?
- Can I pay your fee out of the money I receive from my settlement?
- Based on state laws what am I entitled to in regards to pension, child, support, alimony and equitable distribution?
- Based on the information I've given you about my case how much do think I should pay in alimony? Child support?
- Have you handled cases where a client had similar circumstances to mine? How did they fare?
- Can you provide me with references?
- Would you say your style is more of a diplomat or a "Go for the throat" type?
- My spouse is using _____________________, have you ever worked with, or against him/her?
- If you have worked against him/her what was the outcome?
- What type of lawyer is he/she?
- Wait until after you have interviewed several attorneys before selecting one.
- Leave your checkbook at home. At the end of the consultation you might feel obligated to leave a retainer. By leaving your checkbook at home you will not make any hurried decisions.
- Make sure you are totally comfortable with your selection, including fees, experience and his/her approach(style).
- You should expect the following from your attorney:
- Your phone calls promptly returned.
- Kept up to date on the status of negotiations and proceedings.
- Be given copies of all correspondence and documents sent to and received from your spouse's attorney and the Court.
Additional Resources:
THIS WEB SITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
Do not take any actions based upon the information contained within this web site without first consulting an attorney or an appropriate professional depending upon the content of the information.
Developed and created by
JT Spaulding Associates