Protect Your Interests: How to Find a Good Divorce Attorney
The process of divorce is not only emotionally and mentally taxing, but it can leave you financially vulnerable and unprepared to move forward with your life. Regardless of the reasons that led to the dissolution of your marriage, it is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney at your side dispensing legal advice and protecting your interests as you maneuver the family court system in Texas. Even if the divorce is amicable, you can never underestimate the value of a good Austin divorce attorney.
Unless you have been through a divorce in the past, you will most likely need to start from scratch to find an attorney. One way to find practiced and skilled legal representation is to consult with friends or family members who have been through a divorce. These individuals in your life won't lead you astray. They can point in the direction of qualified divorce attorneys and help you steer clear of legal professionals that will not do you any favors.
Professional organizations like the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association often have attorney referral programs. Members of the bar association pay a yearly fee to have their name and expertise included in this referral program. One of the benefits of searching and hiring an attorney through referral programs like these is that you can feel secure knowing that the attorney you are considering is held to high moral, legal, and professional standard. Of course, you'll still want to interview the attorney, but at least you'll know you're on the right path.
Many individuals looking for a divorce attorney fail to remember that they are hiring a person to work for them and look out for their best interests. If you owned a business, would you hire the first person who walked in the front door without interviewing him and verifying his credentials? The same hiring mentality needs to be applied when hiring a divorce attorney.
When meeting with an attorney for the first time, you want to find out if the attorney has handled divorce cases like yours. For example, is your divorce contested? Do you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse share a number of assets? Are there children involved? Are you seeking spousal support? Not every family law or divorce attorney practicing can handle complicated divorce cases. Some attorneys thrive at solving complicated legal matters when it comes to a divorce, while other attorneys prefer simple, cut-and-dry cases. Make sure the attorney you choose has the skills and expertise to match your needs now and in the future.
It is also important to ask the attorney what her current caseload is like. Does she have a number of cases she is currently working on? If so, you want to ask how she plans to handle yours. Will paralegals and legal secretaries be handling a lot of the paperwork? How long does she expect your divorce to take? The more questions you ask, the better you will be able to gauge the expertise and the competency of the attorney you are considering.
The last thing you want to do is be indebted to an Austin divorce attorney for many years to come. During the initial consultation, find out how much the attorney charges for his service. Some attorneys bill by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. If you are on a tight budget, an attorney that bills by the hour may not be the best choice and could leave you feeling the financial effects of your divorce for a long, long time.
Turn to Your Social Support System
Unless you have been through a divorce in the past, you will most likely need to start from scratch to find an attorney. One way to find practiced and skilled legal representation is to consult with friends or family members who have been through a divorce. These individuals in your life won't lead you astray. They can point in the direction of qualified divorce attorneys and help you steer clear of legal professionals that will not do you any favors.
Consult with Professional Organizations
Professional organizations like the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association often have attorney referral programs. Members of the bar association pay a yearly fee to have their name and expertise included in this referral program. One of the benefits of searching and hiring an attorney through referral programs like these is that you can feel secure knowing that the attorney you are considering is held to high moral, legal, and professional standard. Of course, you'll still want to interview the attorney, but at least you'll know you're on the right path.
Interview Questions for Potential Legal Prospects
Many individuals looking for a divorce attorney fail to remember that they are hiring a person to work for them and look out for their best interests. If you owned a business, would you hire the first person who walked in the front door without interviewing him and verifying his credentials? The same hiring mentality needs to be applied when hiring a divorce attorney.
When meeting with an attorney for the first time, you want to find out if the attorney has handled divorce cases like yours. For example, is your divorce contested? Do you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse share a number of assets? Are there children involved? Are you seeking spousal support? Not every family law or divorce attorney practicing can handle complicated divorce cases. Some attorneys thrive at solving complicated legal matters when it comes to a divorce, while other attorneys prefer simple, cut-and-dry cases. Make sure the attorney you choose has the skills and expertise to match your needs now and in the future.
It is also important to ask the attorney what her current caseload is like. Does she have a number of cases she is currently working on? If so, you want to ask how she plans to handle yours. Will paralegals and legal secretaries be handling a lot of the paperwork? How long does she expect your divorce to take? The more questions you ask, the better you will be able to gauge the expertise and the competency of the attorney you are considering.
Hire an Attorney You Can Afford
The last thing you want to do is be indebted to an Austin divorce attorney for many years to come. During the initial consultation, find out how much the attorney charges for his service. Some attorneys bill by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. If you are on a tight budget, an attorney that bills by the hour may not be the best choice and could leave you feeling the financial effects of your divorce for a long, long time.
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