7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

September 8, 2022 by Zill Metrics

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In 2020, more than 630,000 couples in the United States got divorced. Divorce can be incredibly complicated, and you want to make sure you have a solid lawyer on your side throughout the process. But how do you go about finding a good family lawyer in Michigan?

There are a few steps you’ll want to take when you begin the search for a Michigan family lawyer. Read on to discover what you should look for and how you can narrow down your shortlist to find the perfect attorney for you.

1. Ask for Referrals

When you get ready to hire a family lawyer, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to ask for referrals. It can be hard to tell based on websites and online listings which attorneys will be a good fit for you. A great way to start making a shortlist is to talk to get recommendations from your friends and family.

Reach out to your loved ones who have recently gotten a divorce and ask them which family lawyer they worked with. Ask how their experience was with this lawyer and if they would work with them again. It can also be helpful to read online reviews, although it’s important to keep in mind that disgruntled clients are more likely to take the time to leave a review than satisfied ones.

2. Look for Experience

Once you have a shortlist narrowed down, it’s time to start taking a look at experience. You want to make sure your family lawyer knows what they’re doing and will get you the best results possible. Ideally, you want to work with someone who has at least ten years of experience, not a newbie to the field.

You’ll also want to check if your potential family lawyers have trial experience. Although it’s not anyone’s ideal scenario, sometimes divorces do wind up getting settled in court. If your situation winds up going to trial, you want to make sure your lawyer has the experience needed to represent you well.

3. Find a Specialist

When you start looking at different family lawyers, you’re going to see some “general practitioners.” These lawyers practice in all areas of law, and family law may well be on that list. But it’s worth making sure that this firm has dedicated family law attorneys who specialize in that area of the law.

It’s best to opt for a lawyer who specializes in family law in Michigan, rather than covering a number of areas of practice. This attorney will be intimately familiar with the latest developments in Michigan family law, including new precedents that may impact your case. You want that level of expertise on your side when it comes to negotiating the terms of your divorce.

4. Pick Someone You Trust

One of the most important factors in picking a family lawyer is actually one that’s hard to quantify. You need to trust your lawyer and be able to develop a good rapport with them. You can hire the best attorney in the state, but if you don’t trust that they’re working for your best interests, all their experience won’t matter.

As you’re doing interviews with your potential lawyers, pay attention to how you feel around them. Do they make you feel relaxed and reassured, like they’re someone you could trust? This may not be the number-one most important factor, but if you wind up trying to choose between two close options, it can tip the scales.

5. Talk Money

Once you’ve found the lawyer you want to work with, it will be time to start getting down to the brass tacks. Sit down with your lawyer and ask them how much they’ll charge and what sort of structure they’ll use. Many lawyers charge by the hour, but some lawyers may offer a divorce “package” that sets a flat fee.

It’s also a good idea to check on what’s covered in your lawyer’s charges. Will they charge you their hourly rate for responding to emails and phone calls? Do they charge extra for postage and mileage, and if they offer a package fee, does that include research time or will that be billed separately?

6. Discuss Details

In addition to sorting out the money with your lawyer, it’s a good idea to discuss some of the details of how your case will get handled. For instance, some of the larger national law firms will assign your case to a team of lawyers, rather than one dedicated person. You may have multiple points of contact, depending on how complex your case is.

Figure out who your point (or points) of contact will be and how often you can expect to hear from them. Ask how you can get in touch with them, including whether they prefer phone calls or emails. And check on how they’ll manage unexpected problems when they inevitably show up in the case.

Find the Right Family Lawyer for You

Divorce can be a challenging process, and you want to make sure you have a strong family lawyer at your side as you navigate it. Start by asking family and friends for referrals, and then check the experience of your shortlist. Opt for a family law specialist if possible, and choose someone you trust to handle your case well.

If you’d like to find the right family lawyer for you, check out the rest of our site at Genesis Legal Group of Michigan. We are courageous in our actions, confident in our abilities, and compassionate with our clients. Book a consultation with us today and discover superior service and attention to detail.

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Going through a divorce is hardly ever smooth sailing. It’s a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved.

Even if you’re the one filing for divorce, the process can be emotional and overwhelming. You shouldn’t try to handle it alone.

A skilled divorce attorney can help you navigate the many challenges of divorce. Before you meet with a divorce attorney, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions in mind. This will help you learn about the process and what you can expect.

Here are 7 questions to ask before you hire an attorney.

1. What Experience Do You Have?

You want to choose a divorce attorney who has plenty of experience handling divorce cases. Although divorce may not be the only area of law they practice, they should have relevant experience handling divorce cases in and out of the courtroom.

Find out how many years they’ve practiced family law and if they specialize in divorce. If you have children, divorce is more complicated.

You may have to face child support and custody issues, and you need an attorney with experience in these matters. Don’t hesitate to ask about their education, years of experience, typical cases, and courtroom experience.

With so much at stake, you want to be sure you’ve hired the right divorce lawyer for the job.

2. What Will the Divorce Process Be Like?

If you’ve never experienced a divorce, you may be unsure about the process. Some divorces are more complicated than others.

A contentious divorce can be very emotional and stressful. If one spouse refuses to comply, the process can become even more complicated.

Most divorces follow a similar pattern. Some take longer because of the issues involved. Divorces may quickly wrap up if the couple reaches a mutual agreement.

Others may drag on with weeks, months, or even years of litigation. It’s important to know what types of issues you may face.

Some common divorce issues include:

Child custody

Child support

Child visitation

Spousal support

Dividing assets and debts

Dividing property

Parents have to make tough decisions when it comes to divorce. If you’re facing divorce, it’s in your best interest to have a skilled divorce lawyer by your side every step of the way.

3. How Much Will It Cost?

Talking about attorney fees is not the most pleasant topic, but it’s an important one to have. Attorney fees can vary.

That’s why you should be clear about an attorney’s fee structure from the start. This will help you make an informed decision as you weigh your options.

You can ask about the attorney’s retainer, hourly fees, and other possible charges. A reputable attorney will be happy to answer your questions and should be transparent about the fees they charge.

4. What Do I Need to Provide?

Meeting with a divorce attorney the first time can be a bit overwhelming. It’s important to know what types of documents they need to get your case underway.

The attorney will let you know the steps you need to take. They may want you to gather documents such as income statements, tax records, past legal documents, a list of debts, and more.

Think about what you hope to gain from your divorce and share this with the attorney. You should feel comfortable communicating with your attorney and sharing any questions or concerns.

5. How Will We Communicate?

Find out who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you. You should ask how often you can expect to receive an update on your case.

Will they email, call, text, video chat, or meet with you in person? Consider the location of the law firm and what is best for you as well.

Be sure to ask about the best way to get in touch with your divorce attorney. If you have questions or concerns, they should respond in a timely manner.

6. Will I Have to Go to Court?

Once your attorney understands the details of your case, they should be able to explain your chances of going to court. Generally, you will appear in court for the initial divorce proceeding.

Whether you will need to go to court during the divorce process depends on the complexities of your case. If there is an uncontested divorce, you may not need to appear in court at all.

If you have a child, the process can become more complicated. When facing a custody battle or financial dispute, you may face more time in court.

Talk with your divorce attorney about your case. Ask how long the entire process should take and whether you will need to go to court.

7. What Outcome Can I Expect?

Although no attorney can guarantee an outcome, they should be able to give you a general idea about what you can expect. They can help you understand your rights, the complexities of your case, and what you should expect during your divorce process.

Your attorney can help you define your expectations and where you may need to compromise. The ultimate goal is to help you navigate your divorce and move ahead to a better and brighter future.

Find the Best Divorce Attorney for You

Divorce is never easy. It’s one of the most difficult situations anyone can face.

It’s so important to have a knowledgeable and caring divorce attorney by your side. If you need to hire a lawyer, knowing the right questions to ask can help you make the most of your time and find the right attorney for you.

If you’re facing a divorce or custody battle, Genesis Legal Group of Michigan can help. Our goal is to help our clients resolve their legal matters while making a positive and lasting impact on their lives.

Contact Genesis Legal Group of Michigan today for an initial consultation.

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