The decision to divorce is one that is rarely made on a whim, and the attorney you choose to help with the process shouldn’t be either. Unfortunately, choosing the right attorney for the job can be challenging, especially when the stakes are high.
We’ve put together a list of 5 helpful tips to help ensure your time and money are spent on the proper attorney for the job.
Have an understanding of what you want from your divorce attorney, and do not settle for anything less. Before you begin going through the divorce process, you must understand what you’re hoping to get from your attorney—both legally and emotionally. If you want your attorney to be more hands-off and only handle the legal side of things, let them know. Alternatively, if you want them to give guidance in the divorce, let them know that as well. A compassionate attorney will tailor their counsel towards your needs.
Be sure you have clear expectations. Each attorney operates differently. Some attorneys prefer mediation, while others highly encourage handling business in the courtroom. So, it’s important to understand how you’d like your situation to be handled, and to then, find an attorney who can help.
Research. Research. Research! There are countless ways to end a marriage. The path you choose will have a significant impact on the duration of the divorce process, and it’s important to understand your options. While an experienced attorney will be able to provide you with a plan, it’s crucial for your success to have an idea of whether you want a collaborative process or traditional litigation.
Weigh all of your options. Contrary to what many people believe, the divorce process does not have to be rushed. In fact, it’s common for individuals who dive in too quickly to see less than favorable results from their attorneys. Be sure you speak with multiple attorneys to get a feel for which one best meets your expectations.
Ask away! The hiring phase is one of, if not the most important part of the divorce process. Be sure you compile a list of questions that you want to ask before your meeting. Once there, be sure to ask all the questions you have. The answers your potential attorney provides will give you a good understanding of how they operate.
If you’ve already done the research and are ready to choose your legal team, call Lokken & Putnam today (801) 829-9783 to schedule your initial consultation with our Salt Lake City divorce attorneys.
