Did you know there were 1,985,072 marriages across the United States in 2021? That year there were also 689,308 divorces as couples decided to call it quits for one reason or another.
It’s said that half of first marriages end in divorce — and that subsequent marriages fail at even higher rates. So, it’s no wonder many people get cold feet and hesitate to walk down the aisle.
If you get married and it doesn’t work out, you’ll need a family lawyer to help you navigate the process. So many things are at stake — like custody, property, and assets. Your best bet is to find a legal professional to help you through the process. So that you know how to find the right lawyer, here’s a look at five things to look for in a service provider.
1. Find a Lawyer Who Specializes in Family Law
You must find a lawyer specializing in family law — an area of the law that is vast and complex. You don’t want a legal professional who dabbles in a little of this and that as far as areas of the law are concerned. It’s essential to retain the services of someone who works on family law cases every day so you can increase the odds of getting a good case outcome.
2. Find a Lawyer Who is Highly Recommended
It’s also vital that you find a lawyer who comes highly recommended. Start by asking people you know for referrals. Do you know anyone who has divorced recently? If so, ask them who they hired to help with their divorce. You’ll want to know if they were satisfied with the lawyer they hired and if they’d recommend that lawyer to you. If the responses seem promising, you can follow up with the recommended lawyers to see if there’s a good fit.
Another option is to check out online reviews to see what other people have to say about family law lawyers in and around the area. While you shouldn’t decide based solely on what you read online, you can get some helpful information if you see what others say.
3. Find a Lawyer Experienced in Litigating and Settling
You also need a lawyer with experience in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Many family law cases are actually settled out of the courtroom. But if the other party is playing hardball, you’ll want a family law lawyer who is just as comfortable litigating as they are settling.
Don’t be shy. Ask any lawyer you’re considering whether they have direct experience with settlements and litigation. You also need to ensure that you hire a lawyer who knows when it might make sense to go with one option over the other.
4. Find a Lawyer With a Clear Fee Structure
You’ll also want to enquire about the cost. Does the lawyer charge by the hour? Can you work out a flat fee? When might extra expenses be necessary? Before making an informed decision, you must understand how much you’ll have to pay. Don’t make the mistake of deciding solely based on the cost, however, since you need to factor in the services offered as well.
5. Find a Lawyer You Can Work With
Even with an experienced family law lawyer by your side, the divorce process can be stressful. But you don’t want to compound that stress by hiring a lawyer that is hard to work with. When looking for someone to represent you, ask questions and reflect on the answers. Observe the lawyer’s personality and communication skills, and pick someone you believe you can work with.
While no one wants to get divorced, hiring a good family law lawyer is essential if you ever do. The goal will be to start and end the process as soon as possible — and with as little acrimony as possible — so that both parties of the marriage can move on with their lives.
