VWB Blog Did you know that almost 40% to 50% of marriages in the USA end in divorce?
If you’re in this position, you likely have a lot of apprehension about the process of hiring a decent divorce lawyer. You have no idea where to start, and you may worry that you’ll pick the wrong lawyer for your situation.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here are the most common mistakes with picking divorce lawyers and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Doing Thorough Research
This mistake can be costly and can create significant delays in the outcome of your divorce. It’s important to do research and ask questions to ensure that the lawyer you choose is knowledgeable and has experience with divorces. Check their track record and ask friends and family for recommendations.
Discover more here to make sure you don’t commit this common mistake. Doing your due diligence to ensure your divorce attorney has the right experience and credentials will ensure you choose the right person to represent you.
2. Not Comparing Lawyer Costs and Fees
It’s important to understand that not all attorneys charge the same for their services. In addition, lawyers may have different payment options, such as flat fees and hourly rates.
An important step to avoid this common mistake is to ask each lawyer for an estimate of their costs, including the fees for filing and representing you in court. Lastly, closely examine their retainer agreement and then ask how much you will owe if the legal process extends beyond the retainer agreement.
3. Making Decisions Too Quickly
This can lead to hiring an inexperienced attorney that may not have the knowledge or skill set to effectively handle the case. It is wise to have several consultations with multiple attorneys to determine who would be the best fit.
Communications with any chosen attorney should be initiated to review their terms. Lastly, open dialogue regarding expectations early on in the relationship is important. Comparing several lawyer’s ratings, reviews, and past case experiences is imperative when making an informed selection.
4. Failing to Ask Questions During Interviews
Before you hire a lawyer, ask questions about their experience with similar cases, qualifications, successes, and fees. Be prepared to ask more than one lawyer the same questions to narrow down your options, and to compare strategies and fees. If you have the paperwork done before you go into the interview, that can also help move the process along and make it easier to get straight to the point.
5. Overlooking Client Reviews
It’s essential to read through all reviews available as this will give you a detailed look at the lawyer’s capabilities and track record. Also, don’t simply look at the number of positive reviews, but also read through any negative reviews and take into account their experiences. It’s also important to make sure the reviews are from verified clients and not fabricated.
Knowing the Mistakes With Picking Divorce Lawyers
Picking the wrong lawyer can be disastrous for your case. Understanding the mistakes with picking divorce lawyers will ensure that you find the right lawyer to best serve your legal needs.
Research the lawyer’s background and credentials, watch for any red flags, and ensure that their style fits your needs. By doing so, you can increase your odds of a successful divorce.
Looking for more advice? Check out our recent blog posts for more life guidance.