7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

According to research, 40–50% of all first marriages will end in divorce or other forms of long-term separation. When your marriage does end, you will want to do everything in your power to mitigate potential risk and injury to your income and assets.

That process doesn’t have to be complicated, although the emotional nature of divorce can get complex. That’s where a divorce lawyer can help you.

The decision to get a divorce and hire a lawyer isn’t as simple as it seems. Here are the important questions to ask yourself and a potential divorce lawyer. Continue reading to know more.

1. What Experience Do They Have?

It is important to ask a potential divorce lawyer about their experience. This includes how long they have been practicing and how many cases they have handled.

You should also ask about their specific experience with the type of divorce you’re going through. Financial and custody battles can be complex, so you want to make sure your lawyer is up for the challenge.

Asking about their experience can help you get a better sense of whether they are the right lawyer for you.

2. What Are Their Fees?

It is important to know upfront so you can budget for the costs. Some things you may want to ask include: how much the lawyer charges, how they bill ( hourly, per project, etc. ), and whether or not they offer a free consultation.

Some lawyers require a retainer, while others charge by the hour. Make sure you know how they will be billing you. You’ll also want to ask about payment options, such as whether or not the lawyer accepts payment plans.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may also want to ask about sliding scale fees.

In addition, you should ask who pays divorce attorney fees. These can be complex legal issues and you will want to make sure you understand the arrangement before hiring a lawyer.

Finally, ask about their refund policy in case you need to end the relationship for any reason. You don’t want to be stuck paying for a service you’re not using, or be unexpectedly billed for something.

If you have any questions about the refund process, be sure to ask before you sign any contracts.

3. What Is Their Success Rate?

You want to find someone who has a high success rate. This is important because you want to have the best chance possible of winning your case and getting what you want out of the divorce.

The success rate will give you an idea of how often the lawyer has been able to get a favorable outcome for their clients. There are a few ways to find out a lawyer’s success rate. You can ask them directly, look up reviews online, or ask around for referrals.

Don’t be afraid to interview multiple lawyers before making a decision. This is a big decision, and you want to make sure you’re comfortable with your lawyer.

4. How Does Their Personality Mesh With Yours?

You should hire a divorce lawyer with a personality that meshes well with yours. Ask them about their personality and if they think you would be a good fit to work together.

You need to make sure you are hiring somebody who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust to help you through this difficult time. This is important because you will be spending a lot of time with this person and you need to be able to communicate well.

Some questions to ask to determine if their personality meshes with yours are: Do they seem patient? Do they have a sense of humor? Do they seem open-minded? Do they seem like they will be able to understand your perspective?

If you can answer these questions positively, then it is likely that you will be able to work well with this person.

5. What Are Their Philosophies on Divorce?

Find a divorce lawyer that shares your philosophy. Some lawyers view divorce as a necessary evil, while others see it as an opportunity for a new beginning.

Some lawyers are very aggressive and will do whatever it takes to get the best result for their clients. While others are more collaborative and try to work with the other lawyer to reach a resolution.

Some lawyers may also have a more traditional view of marriage, and may not be open to the idea of divorce. There are many different philosophies on divorce, and it is important to find a divorce lawyer whose philosophy matches your own.

6. How Will They Communicate With You?

Ask your potential divorce lawyer how they will communicate with you during your case. You should choose a lawyer that will be able to keep you updated on the status of your case and any new developments.

You should also inquire about how often you can expect to hear from your lawyer. You should feel comfortable communicating with your lawyer and feel like your questions are being answered in a timely manner.

7. What Are Their Policies?

Ask a potential divorce lawyer what their policies are. This will give you a good idea of how they will handle your case and what you can expect from them.

Some lawyers have policies on how they handle cases. For instance, some may not represent clients who they believe are at fault for the divorce. Make sure you know the policies of the lawyer you are considering hiring for legal help.

Know the Most Important Questions to Ask When You Hire a Lawyer

If you have made the decision to hire a lawyer, be sure to ask them these important questions first.

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the lawyer’s experience and capabilities. This will help you decide if they are the best lawyer for you and your case.

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