Choosing your divorce attorney is an important decision that you should make with thoughtful care and consideration. The counsel you select will play a significant role in the outcome of your divorce, which can impact your future for decades to come. Before deciding on an attorney, there are a few helpful ways to ensure your choice is right for you.
1. Know Your Goals
Before selecting your attorney, it’s essential to identify your own goals. What do you want out of your divorce? What are your non-negotiables? The experience and expertise that family lawyers have are vast and varied. Knowing what you want ahead of time will help you target your search, focusing on potential counsel that is well-versed in the specific areas where you will need them the most. The same applies to the level of support that you want. If you want a more hands-off approach, search for a lawyer who will be happy to provide that for you and vice versa.
2. Keep Your Search Local
Divorce laws vary significantly from state to state. Local rules vary from county to county and court to court. Focus your search on attorneys with experience in your area. You want someone to represent you who is up to date and has relevant knowledge of recent cases in your area that may have similarities to yours. You may want to consider asking friends, family members, or colleagues for recommendations of lawyers who practice in your area.
3. Interview Multiple Attorneys
While hiring the first attorney you meet may be tempting, that may not always be in your best interest. Interviewing different candidates is time-consuming, but doing your due diligence upfront will almost always guarantee a better outcome in your divorce. You may be surprised at how you respond instinctively to different candidates, and you may be surprised by their outlook and perspective on your unique case. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce, so naturally, interviewing multiple attorneys until you find the right fit is par for the course.
4. Take Your Time
Divorce is stressful, making you feel like you have to do everything quickly to get it over with as soon as possible. However, it’s often in your best interest to take your time. Though you may be tempted, don’t rush the process of hiring legal counsel. Your decision is critical, so don’t make it lightly. Even if it takes several interviews to find someone you trust that makes you feel confident in their abilities, it will be worth it in the long run. It’s also important to remember that spending more time upfront finding the right attorney can expedite your divorce proceedings on the back end.
5. Look Out for Red Flags
While some attorneys may come recommended to you with excellent previous outcomes, it does not mean they will be the right fit for you. Keep your eyes open to red flags. Your attorney should be compassionate and have empathy for you throughout your divorce. If you sense that one of your potential candidates is cold or condescending, they may not suit you, regardless of their track record. Another red flag to look for is communication issues. You should be able to get in touch with your lawyer’s office when you need to, and if you are having trouble communicating from the start, it’s unlikely the situation will improve once you get to work.
6. Stay Focused
No matter how amicable your divorce, emotions run high throughout divorce proceedings. It’s crucial to find a lawyer who will help you stay calm and remain focused on your high-level goals. The right counsel will ensure that your non-negotiables take precedence over more minor, sometimes petty matters.
7. Trust Yourself
The most important part of the attorney selection process is simple: Trust yourself. You have instincts that keep you safe and in good company in every other aspect of your life, and all of those apply in the case of your divorce. If an attorney doesn’t seem right to you, find someone else, no matter how many “boxes” they check. There are plenty of Houston divorce attorneys that will have your best interest at heart. You will know when you have found the right person to represent your best interest.
