How To Choose A Divorce Attorney

As noted in the simple two-phase divorce strategy, one of the great benefits of meeting with multiple potential lawyers is getting a feel for which one you would be comfortable working with for an extended period of time (some divorces last months on end) and also which ones see things your way.

Do not be afraid to question them about their case history. You want to make sure that they are experienced, especially if you are dealing with false allegations of violence and abuse – just because they are a divorce lawyer doesn’t mean they are equipped to handle something of that nature.

Be sure that the person you decide to stick with beyond your initial meeting is the one for you. You don’t want to spend more money than you have to and have multiple meet and greets with the same attorney only to then decide that it’s not working out with them and have to switch to another. That is a costly situation that should be avoided.

Do your best to get a feel for who they are during your initial meeting with each potential attorney. In recent years I’ve become aware of a phenomenon where lawyers have seemingly been working against the best interest of their male clients, if your lawyer identifies heavily as a feminist it is possible they may see you as the enemy simply because you were born with a penis.

The three things the perfect attorney for you should have:

1. Direct experience working in a case similar to your own.
   
   
2. The ability to confidently explain legal terms / legislation related to your divorce in a way that you can understand (rather than through confusing legal techno-babble)
   
   
3. Demonstrates that they have your best interests in mind.
   

The two things you need to be wary of when choosing an attorney:

1. Personal Greed:
   If your attorney is looking to launch into court aggressively, be sure that is the best option for you and they aren’t attempting to engineer a long drawn-out divorce in order to increase their potential income.
   
   
2. Personal or Ideological bias against men/fathers:
   This was mentioned above, and here it is again. As silly as the concept may sound to you the gender of the lawyer is not an indication of them holding or not-holding bias against males.
   

Do not share an attorney with your spouse, the glut of legal and ethical issues that may raise there head in this situation is not worth the money you may think this option would save you. If your divorce is truly amicable, simply go the route of divorce mediation with a mediator. This individual would act as more of a guide, leading you both through the process in a speedy and non-adversarial manner.

Alternative Option – Hiring a Mediator

If your divorce is of the ‘no-fault’ variety and you genuinely feel that it is a mutual and collaborative one, you have the option of simply hiring a mediator, rather than involving attorneys. It goes without saying that this option is far less expensive and doesn’t necessitate any big plan of action. This option only works if your ex and you see eye to eye on most, if not all, aspects of the divorce.

This option is not recommended if children, property disagreements, or significant debts are involved, and it should not even be considered an option in a ‘fault’ divorce.