How to Hire a Divorce Attorney

Divorce lawyers are responsible for dividing assets and debts, as well as setting terms for spousal support and child custody. They also help individuals navigate the emotional and logistical aspects of divorce proceedings.

It is important to find the right Scheidungsanwalt for your specific case. To do so, you should ask them a few questions to help guide your decision.

1. Experience

When you hire a divorce attorney, it is important to consider his or her experience. Ask about the attorney’s background and what percentage of his or her practice is dedicated to divorce matters.

Ideally, the attorney you choose should be a specialist in your type of case. For example, if you have a complex custody battle, you will want an attorney with years of experience handling these types of cases. Also, look for an attorney who stays up to date on developments in the law. Many attorneys post news and information about their areas of expertise on their websites.

2. Reputation

The reputation of a divorce attorney is an important factor. You want a lawyer who is respected by his or her peers and the legal community.

Getting referrals from trusted friends and family is one of the best ways to find an experienced, knowledgeable and reliable divorce lawyer. However, be aware that your divorce circumstances, goals and interests will likely differ from your friend’s or family member’s, so make sure you select an attorney who is well-suited to your situation.

You should also check online reviews. A reputable lawyer will have a solid online presence, and should be part of a law firm that specializes in family law.

3. Communication

During divorce proceedings, everything you say or do can be used against you. A judge won’t be impressed with your scathing voicemail about how your spouse leaves dirty dishes on the kitchen counter or doesn’t pick up the kids.

Knowing how to communicate with your attorney will make the process less stressful and more productive. Ask your prospective divorce attorney about his or her communication policies before you hire him or her. Generally, attorney-client privilege means that conversations about legal matters are private, but it has limitations that you should be aware of.

4. Flexibility

Divorce attorneys must be flexible to handle a wide variety of family law cases. This can include legal matters such as child custody, property division, alimony and large financial settlements.

Attorneys also need to be able to work with clients on budgetary concerns. Some may offer task-based billing options, a bundled fee or even a flat fee.

A good divorce lawyer will consider the bigger picture while navigating complex legal issues. They can also make judgment calls based on experience and the facts presented to them during the case.

5. Judgment

Judgment is the ability to understand a situation and make a decision. It could be as simple as determining how much salt to add or choosing the safest route home.

A good divorce attorney can evaluate your situation and make judgment calls based on your needs, such as whether to pursue mediation or go to trial. This is especially important for cases involving large financial settlements or complicated property disputes.

Divorce attorneys are skilled at presenting their clients’ case before a judge, seeing the big picture and finding resolutions to complex issues such as child custody, alimony, and division of assets. They may also suggest options that you hadn’t considered.

6. Empathy

The ability to feel empathy is a critical part of any attorney’s job. It allows them to understand what their clients are going through, which can make it easier to negotiate and compromise.

While some people have a high degree of empathy, others have less. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t have to be an all or nothing situation.

Empathy is different from sympathy, but they both involve acknowledging someone else’s suffering and having the ability to put yourself in their shoes. This can be especially helpful when dealing with a reluctant spouse during divorce proceedings.

7. Cool Under Pressure

Divorce is an emotionally draining time and spouses are often overwhelmed by finances, court deadlines, child custody evaluators, and forensic accountants. The ability to think clearly and flexibly can help spouses separate their finances, establish new budgets, and manage living expenses during divorce.

A skilled divorce attorney is able to stay calm and focused, even when unexpected challenges arise. For example, if a judge is not favorable to your case or opposing counsel throws a wrench into the process, your attorney should be able to handle it professionally.