Top Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer

Of course, marriage is sacred. However, when things don’t work out, divorce is the best option. But wait, divorce isn’t as easy as you think. From the process of arguing your case in court to settlement negotiations, going through a divorce case can be challenging and highly demanding. That’s why you should hire a divorce lawyer to help you. Among other things, a divorce attorney has the experience needed to handle your case. He/she understands the process and how to get you the best settlement. However, there are numerous divorce cases out there. This makes it challenging to hire the right lawyer. Fortunately, with the following tips and tricks, you can hire the right lawyer.

Have You Handled Similar Cases in The Past?

Divorce cases are complex. They need an experienced legal mind. That’s why you need to hire a highly experienced lawyer. Ask the lawyer about his/her past cases. A lawyer who has handled numerous cases in the past is likely to deliver more results than an inexperienced one. Hire from the top. Chose a lawyer who boasts with a more previous track record. After all, you are the boss. So, choose from the very top. Your case deserves the best lawyer.

Have You Ever Settled Divorce Cases Out of Court?

Out of court settlement is a common option when it comes to divorce cases. Thus, ask the lawyer if he/she has ever settled any case out of court. Out of court settlement eliminates the unnecessary drama that comes with court litigation. No dirty linen will be washed in public. Hiring a lawyer who is good at out of court settlement will is better. Plus, the cost will be lower.

What’s Your Experience in Collaborative Divorce Cases?

Like out of court settlement, collaborative divorce is a non-aggressive way of reaching an agreement with your spouse. This involves a lot of problem-solving. Here, your lawyer will help you navigate through this journey. In most cases, you may reach an agreement and become friendly to another. However, if your spouse exhibits combative behavior, consider taking your case to full trial. The same applies to a bully spouse. In a collaborative divorce, all parties should be willing to compromise to reach an agreement.

Do You Have Any Relationship with Spouse?

Don’t work with a lawyer who has a relationship with your spouse. In this case, there will be a conflict of interest. Don’t hire a lawyer who has any relationship with your partner. Choose an independent lawyer.

Do You Have Experienced Working with Local Divorce Court Judges?

Understanding the local judges is an important aspect when it comes to litigating divorce cases. Thus, consider asking the lawyer whether he/she is familiar with the local judges. Understanding the judges means that you have a better chance of succeeding with your divorce case. However, if the lawyer is unfamiliar with these judges, he/she will encounter an uphill task when litigating your case. Choose a lawyer who knows how to handle local judges. This will boost your case. Plus, it will help him/her plan a strategy when litigating your divorce lawsuit.

Mediation Versus Negotiation: What’s Your Take?

Divorce cases can either go to court or mediation or negotiation. The trial option should be the last resort. It happens when all the parties are unwilling to sit down and agree on the way forward. However, negotiation is the best option. It offers both parties a chance to conclude the divorce case without the drama and emotions commonly associated with the trial. Plus, it’s cheaper to follow the negotiation and mediation route than the trail. So, ask the lawyer if negotiation is the better option. He/she should give you an honest view as far as your case is concerned.

What’s Your Experience When It Comes to Negotiating for Financial Support and Other Settlements Benefits?

Financial settlement is a common element if any divorce case. This is especially true is children are involved. A good lawyer should know how to negotiate for settlement and financial related support. He/she should have experience in delivering the best settlement. In a nutshell, your devoice lawyer should understand everything about divorce—including negotiating for financial support.

Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Try to know the lawyer who will be handling your case. Lawyers tend to take cases and assign them to their juniors. Of course, these juniors need to handle these cases to obtain experience. However, they can limit your chances of having a successful divorce case. Thus, it’s advisable to work with an experienced lawyer. Insist on him/her working on your case. You will get better results.

Can I Meet My Leg Team?

At times, divorce cases can be complicated—requiring a team of legal experts. Here, your case will be handled by more than one lawyer. In this case, you should work alongside your legal team to expedite your case. This, consider asking the attorney if you are allowed to meet legal experts handling your case.

What’s Your Mode of Communication?

 The divorce process isn’t a one-time case. It involves steps, procedures, and processes. Thus, you will need to communicate with your legal team from time to time. Thus, you need an effective means of communication. Whether it’s through the email address or phone, knowing the available means of communication is important. It will help you plan yourself better.

What’s Your Case Load?

You need a lawyer who will be devoted to your case. Thus, choosing a lawyer with a low caseload is likely to positively impact your divorce case. Thus, consider asking the lawyer about his/her caseload. Work with a lawyer with less commitment. Remember, divorce cases require time. Choose a lawyer who is willing to give your case the attention it deserves.

Will You Give Me Copies of All Court Documents?

A good lawyer should serve you with a copy of any document filed in court. This will help you track the process better. Thus, consider asking your lawyer if he/she will give you copies of these documents. Understanding what’s happening will give you complete control over your case.

Will You Offer Periodic Case Development Updates?

Your lawyer should keep you informed as far as your case is concerned. In particular, you should get regular reporting on the divorce proceedings. You should be informed of any detail regarding your case. The lawyer should be willing as well as available to share any information with you.

What’s Your Strategy?

Divorce cases are challenging. To succeed, you need to employ the right strategy. The lawyer should brief you as far as the strategy to be used is concerned. This will help you track your case. Plus, you may also have some ideas to lend to your lawyer.

How Wil You Handle Child Custody Matters?

Your lawyer should give an honest opinion regarding joint child custody. He/she should tell you the merits and demerits of joint child custody. This will help you make an informed decision regarding the custody of your children. It’s important to note that child custody comes with a lot of challenges. It’s important to understand these challenges before taking yourself into this route.

Do You Charge Retainer Fee?

You will pay for the services, right? Well, then you have the right to inquire about the fees. In most cases, your lawyer will give you this information before signing any contract. This will help you determine if these services are within your reach. Also, ask the lawyer whether he/she has any payment plans. After all, it’s your money. So, you need to have a plan on how to spend it.

How Do You Charge Per Hour?

Most lawyers will charge you based on a contingency basis. However, others will prefer the hourly rate. Thus, it’s important to know this rate. Is it within your limit? If so, how many hours, days, or months will it take for your case to be concluded? So, don’t sign anything before getting this information. Remember, the cost of running a divorce case can be high. Getting all the information regarding the cost will minimize future surprises.

What Are the Extra Fees in Case the Case Goes to Court?

Of course, most deforce cases don’t go to trial. They are settled out of court. Arbitration and mediation are the most common options for divorce cases. However, if things get out of hand, these cases can proceed to full trial. Thus, it’s important to understand the financial implications in case your divorce lawsuit goes to court. So, ask the lawyer if the case will mean more fees. If so, try negotiating for a better deal. A good lawyer will willingly give you options and understand your financial concerns.

What Is Your Fee Arrangement?

Lawyers work based on contracts. They will present a contract for you to sign before embarking on your case. Thus, it’s a good idea to understand the content of the contract. In particular, try to establish the terms of the contract when it comes to applicable fees. How much will you be charged? Does the contract include the fee arrangement for your case? Will the lawyer charge you for additional services? What if your case proceeds to a full trial? What are the cost implications of a lost divorce case? These are some of the questions you should ask your lawyer before signing any contract.

Can I Get Itemized Bills?

A professional lawyer will send his/her customers itemized bills. In these bills, you will get an outline of the services offered and the cost of each item. These bills will outline what was done and how it was done. This breakdown of events will help you have complete control over your case.

Traits of An Exceptional Divorce Attorney

Don’t hire any lawyer. Hire the best. Go for a lawyer with experience. Here are the top qualities of a good divorce attorney.

Experience

Choose an experienced lawyer.  Look at the experience of the lawyer you want to hire. How many cases has that lawyer handled in the past? What was his/her success rate? Is the lawyer experienced in handling divorce cases? Working with an experienced lawyer will boost your chances of winning a divorce case.

Excellent Communication Skills

Your lawyer will have to communicate with the judge when litigating your case.  Litigating any case before a court of law requires exceptional communication skills. He/she should be confident and a good lister. Additionally, the lawyer should know how to accurately convey any information. He/she should also be a good negotiator. These are the skills that will make him/her deliver real results.

Interpersonal Skills

Besides communication skills, you should hire a lawyer with excellent interpersonal as well as social skills. Remember, the proceedings can be contagious. In these cases, the lawyer should maintain proper composure. He/she should be calm when handling the defendant’s legal team. These attributes will boost your case.

Excellent Analytical, Research Skills

Choose a divorce lawyer with great analytical as well as research skills. Ask him/her questions to ascertain his/her analytical skills. Do the same to find out if he/she has exceptional research skills. Remember, a divorce case can be challenging and complex—requiring the lawyer to research more. Thus, working with a lawyer with these skills is an added advantage.

Judgment

There is a massive amount of information when it comes to litigating a divorce case. Here, a good lawyer should know how to ingest, process, and internalize matters logically. Having the ability to critically examine information will boost your case. Thus, choose a lawyer with impeccable judgment abilities. It will help him/her make decisions without any issues.

Creativity Is Key

Creativity is an important aspect when it comes to litigating ay case—including divorce lawsuits. Thus, chose a creative lawyer. Look at the way he communicates with you. Ask him/her questions.

The Bottom-Line

If you want the best in your divorce case, hire the right lawyer. Hire from the top. Go for the experience. Choose a lawyer who can professionally litigate your case. The above questions will help you select the right lawyer for your divorce lawsuit.