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If you’re going through a divorce in Orange County, you’re likely already stressed by the whole prospect of ending your marriage, and the last thing you need is to be perplexed by the search for a good divorce attorney.
Divorce proceedings can get complex, and the process requires an experienced family law specialist who has proven experience in handling every aspect of your divorce. Here are some things to look for when hiring a divorce attorney.
Be Experienced in California Family and Divorce Law
How many years of experience does a prospective attorney have in handling divorce cases in the state of California? Family law differs per state; just because an attorney may be a celebrated expert in one state will not mean that they’ll know the ins and outs of family law in California. Skills related to mediation, settling out of court, and California case law are important.
Have Solid References
A credible divorce attorney has nothing to hide, so you should be free to ask about the cases they have handled and their past successes.
If children are involved, it is important to know your attorney’s experience in child custody and maintenance, estate planning and asset division. Ask about the number of cases won compared to total cases handled. Should your case go to court, your lawyer should have a proven track record of fighting for their client’s causes with competence.
To get a good feel for a divorce lawyer’s strengths and potential weaknesses, seek feedback from former clients. You can also contact your state’s bar association to find out if there have been any complaints filed against the attorney you are considering.
Be Transparent about Fees
Any lawyer you consider should make their fees clear in terms of retainer amount, hourly feeds, and billing and payment procedures. No attorney can calculate the final total of their fee because unforeseen factors often appear during a case, but they should remain transparent about what they’re billing you for all throughout. A good lawyer will make everything they charge for clear from the beginning or your relationship.
Make You Feel at Ease
A divorce is an incredibly emotional and turbulent period. Your attorney will be probing into some very personal parts of your life, so it’s essential you should feel comfortable with them. You should feel your concerns are adequately heard and that your divorce lawyer shows genuine concern about your case.
Be an Effective Communicator
Perhaps the most common reason a divorce attorney loses cases and clients is they don’t communicate properly. Because of this, there should be no communication barriers between you and your attorney, or the attorney and the courts.
Choose Your Divorce Attorney Wisely
It may take more than one meeting with a potential divorce lawyer before you can determine if they are the right choice for your circumstances. Never get in too big a hurry in making a choice. The next chapter of your life is much too important to place in the hands of someone you don’t believe can act in your best interest.
Contact us to speak to a qualified Orange County divorce attorney today.