If you’re contemplating moving forward with a divorce, it can be hard to know where to turn; you’ll want to make sure you have the right professionals in your corner to help you with your case. As you’re looking for a divorce attorney to help you with your case, you might want to ask them the questions listed here. They are listed, loosely, in order of importance. The questions are designed to help make sure you hire an attorney who:
- spends the majority, if not all, of their time practicing family law
- has the skills to settle your case outside of court if possible as this is always the preferred conclusion
- recognizes the value of experts in finance and mental health
- can provide you reassurance you will be fairly billed and paid attention to during the emotional process of divorce
Here’s what you should know about your attorney:
- What percentage of your practice is divorce?
- What kind of trial experience have you had in divorce?
- What percentage of your cases settle outside of court?
- Are you a certified specialist in family law?
- How many divorces did you work on last year?
- Do you typically engage experts such as forensic accountants, certified divorce financial analysts, child custody experts and vocational evaluators?
- Do you use experts as trial consultants to help you prepare case theory on specific issues?
- Do you typically try to settle cases?
- Are you trained in mediation?
- Do you provide unbundled legal services?
- How do you bill?
- Can you estimate what your fees will be?
- Other than attorney fees, are there any costs that I will need to pay?
- How much do you think these costs will be?
- Will an assistant do the work or are you going to work on it yourself?
- How will I be charged for your assistant’s work?
- Who is the contact person in your office?
- What can I do to keep my fees down?
- How do temporary spousal support and child support work?
- How long will it take to finish the divorce process?
Cross Roads Divorce Advisors advocates all clients have legal representation during divorce. A large percentage of Americans do divorce without legal assistance, but we believe he/she who represent themselves have a fool for a client. Please get legal advice. If you can’t afford it find an attorney who provides unbundled services, so you can just pay as you go without a large retainer.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.
Lou Falvo is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) who assists clients by evaluating the tax and financial aspects of divorce. Lou is dedicated to reducing the burden of each client by thoroughly examining the financial elements of the client’s divorce, with a keen focus on what is in his or her best interests. Contact Lou to find out how he can assist you with your divorce proceedings at lfalvo@crossroadsdivorce.com or (585) 542-2382.