Divorce is always painful, especially if it comes after a bitter court battle. But you can avoid a lot of pain by hiring the right divorce lawyer. It's not easy. There are many law offices and many lawyers. Therefore, it takes time and effort to find the right one. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Shortlist
First, shortlist a lawyer who specializes in divorce and family law. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Next, consult professional associations such as Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) and the Children's Panel (if you have children) and ask for a list of their members. You can also choose from lawyers listed in the Community Legal Service of the Citizens Advice Bureau database. Finally, and as a last resort, you can also scan the yellow pages.
Discuss, check, identify the best ones
Now focus on the lawyer you think is right for you. Meet or call the lawyers on your shortlist, make an appointment with everyone, and discuss your case details with everyone. Ask questions and try to guess who is more knowledgeable, competent and trustworthy. Generally, your initial discussion with a lawyer is free. So take advantage of them.
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See track record
If you think the divorce part of your case will be easier, and disputes may arise regarding child care, go to a lawyer who has won difficult child custody cases in the past. Similarly, if you feel that proving adultery or infidelity is important in your case, choose a lawyer who has a successful track record in such cases.
Find out about all the services
Try to find the full range of services that each lawyer can offer through your interview. Often a divorce case affects businesses and trusts. Choose a lawyer who can provide mediation and related services in that case. If there is anything special about your divorce, see a lawyer who specializes in family law.
To verify this, check the appendix - whether the lawyer is a member of the SLF Specialist Accreditation Scheme or a member of the Law Society's Family Law Panel, an organization with in-depth knowledge of family law.
Check fees and expenses
Always make it a point to fully understand the fee structure of the person or organization you are hiring. Larger companies have prepared brochures listing their services, payment terms, and reasonable charges. Read these thoroughly and ask questions to clear all doubts. Be clear about your budget and your needs. Do not give up because you have reached a point where you cannot afford the costs of the next lawsuit.
Go with your gut feeling
Although there are no fixed rules for deciding who is the best lawyer for you, often a surprisingly good indicator is going through gut feeling. If you can trust someone and trust their abilities, go ahead and hire them. But if you find yourself questioning their abilities by meeting that person, go ahead. Family law is basically a bar that focuses on interactions and personal relationships, so if you don’t like the person, they can’t work equally.
Choosing an excellent lawyer will not only cause you to worry about falling into legal traps, but will also give you confidence and knowledge about how your case will proceed.
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