The Top Ten Qualities to Look for in a Divorce Attorney

Key Points

It is hard enough to find a lawyer you are comfortable with, especially if you’ve had legal dealings in the past that were less than helpful for you. Remember, if you are hiring a cut-throat, no holds-bar type of lawyer, not only are you paying for this lawyer, monetarily, but also potentially emotionally. Be prepared.
Maybe the best lawyer is one that is acting on your behalf and not reacting to situations presented to him or her. Action is almost always better than reaction once a situation or challenge is presented.
A good lawyer will campaign for your interests but will also be honest and let you know what is, or is not, possible in a specific situation. Listen to your lawyer, but make sure you are choosing a lawyer who is compassionate and listens to you as well.

Once you have weeded out the undesirable lawyers, you can move into the next phase of selecting your lawyer. Using the information you have gathered, rate the remaining candidates on a scale of one to five in each of the following ten categories. Seriously consider the lawyer who scores the highest as your front-running candidate.

Will this lawyer act rather than react?
Will this lawyer control my case instead of letting the lawyer on the other side, or the judge, control things?
Is this lawyer knowledgeable enough about the law and astute and adept enough to use his or her knowledge to control the judge?
Does this lawyer have credibility with the judge and other lawyers?
Will this lawyer plan ahead by devising and implementing a long-range strategy for success that includes contingency plans?
Will this lawyer treat me with respect, care about how I feel, and help me through this process?
Will this lawyer return my phone calls promptly?
Will this lawyer refuse to be intimidated by anyone, including judges and other lawyers?
Will this lawyer be cost-conscious and not spend my money without a compelling reason?
Will this lawyer be a zealous champion of my interests?

Information Provided by: Divorce Source, Inc.

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KEEP AN EYE ON COSTS – The cost of a litigated divorce – one that goes to court – can be eye popping, and divorce, it should be remembered, makes more people poor than it makes any rich. When a divorce seems headed for trial, most lawyers prefer to work with a retainer agreement, which is the upfront payment. Typically, the total number of hours multiplied by the hourly rate is the lawyer’s fee.