Top Tips When Choosing A Divorce Lawyer
Choosing a divorce lawyer can seem like an easy task. However, hiring a lawyer that does not understand your needs could lead to serious disappointments. Below is a short guide to help you choose a suitable divorce lawyer.
Make Your Expectations Known
Divorcing spouses have varying expectations during the divorce process. As such, it is vital to let you lawyer know the outcomes you would want. For example, you may want to keep the family home since it was a gift or inheritance from your parents. If you have an abusive spouse, you probably want sole custody of kids. This information can help your lawyer plan a suitable strategy.
Specialisation
If you have accumulated a vast amount of wealth, you will need a lawyer with adequate experience in finance and property settlement. The lawyer should examine your finances and give you advice on how you can divide the wealth without affecting your various investments. More often than not, a spouse may have to be a silent partner to ensure the business keeps running without any conflict. Alternatively, you could buy some of your spouse's shares in the company to make him or her a minority shareholder.
Some couples want to handle their affairs through an out-of-court process. If this is the case, your divorce lawyer should be a skilled and experienced negotiator. It is the best way to get the best possible outcome from the process.
Reputation
It is always advisable to interview some of the lawyer's previous clients to know the quality of services you will receive. Some of your concerns should include the following: does the lawyer meet deadlines? Does he or she respond to client calls and inquiries? Is the lawyer courteous to clients? What is his or her success rate? The answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision as to whether or not to hire the lawyer.
Affordability
The lawyer's charges must be within your budget. Examine his or her pricing strategy. For instance, you may or may not get a free consultation. Some lawyers have a high hourly charge. However, they do not impose any extra costs. Others may have a fixed fee for issues such as serving and filing divorce papers. Some law firms and non- governmental organisations will give free legal advice or pro bono services to people from vulnerable groups or those in abusive relationships.
Remember to examine the lawyer's terms of engagement. For example, some lawyers do not work after hours, during the weekends and on holidays. You should also check the available dispute resolution mechanisms. Besides, inquire if you will incur a penalty if you terminate the lawyer's services.
To learn more, contact a divorce lawyer.
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