There are no two ways about it, getting divorced stinks. Even if it’s your choice and you know it’s for the best, dissolving an emotional and legal bond takes a lot out of you mentally and physically. Finding the right attorney to handle your case can take a lot of the strain off your shoulders and allow you to get on with your emotional healing. Here are three keys to finding the right attorney.
1. Shop Around
You wouldn’t hire the first bid to remodel your kitchen; don’t hire the first attorney that pops up when you Google “Tampa divorce lawyer.” Look at Yelp reviews and ask your friends for recommendations. From there, choose your top three and meet with each one, discussing your goals and their philosophies so you can find the person that best fits your needs. Develop a list of questions, such as:
- How will we communicate, and how often?
- Who in the office will be doing the majority of the casework?
- How much will my divorce cost?
2. Focus on Your Goal
Decide what you want out of the divorce and focus on that. Your emotions will run high, but if you have a goal like getting out of the marriage at the lowest price or a particular amount of child support, you’ll be able to articulate that to your potential attorney so she knows what you’re looking for. Treat your divorce as the business arrangement it is.
If you continually change your goals, you’ll be paying more and your attorney is likely to be frustrated, trying to negotiate your ever-changing demands. Find an attorney that will help you stay on track, not feed the fuels of your anger so they can charge more.
3. Look for Red Flags
During a divorce, you are emotionally vulnerable and there are certainly attorneys who will take advantage of that, telling you what you want to hear instead of what you need to know. If an attorney promises you a certain outcome that she can’t guarantee, it’s time to reconsider. If the lawyer is telling you details of other divorces he has handled, be aware that he might be doing the same with your information. Does she spend her time focused on you, or is she constantly checking her phone or email? Make sure your attorney is professional but also friendly and interested in your case.
By following these three keys, you’ll find the right attorney and you’ll create an effective team to get you the best and quickest divorce settlement possible.
