Tuesday 30 December 2014

How To Look For The Best Divorce Lawyers

By Claudine Hodges


It's hard to know where to turn to when one is faced with a divorce. Not many people have prior experience with the legal procedures that are associated with this process. There are many cases of frustrated clients going through attorney after attorney in the quest to find good divorce lawyers. Still, finding the right attorney is key to what can be a less-expensive, quick process as opposed to an extended, drawn-out nightmare. But if one doesn't know what to look for in a divorce lawyer, it's difficult to know if they're investing their effort in the right one.

When in search of a lawyer in Stafford VA, be sure to keep your expectations in a realistic range. A divorce is meant to help a couple work through the process of dividing up their assets and assigning custodial rights. The purpose of a lawyer is to represent the interests of their client in the best possible way. Do not expect your attorney to act as your coach or therapist. Because they usually charge high legal fees, one must recognize their expectations and align their preferences properly.

Ideally, the entire process should go on amicably, which is possible to do without giving up too much lifestyle privileges. Where property is in question, emotions must be kept at bay. This is because such things rarely matter much in light of the bigger picture. Loss of perspective could result in a destructive, expensive litigation process.

There are also other alternatives which can be explored before you get to the divorce process. If you're not dividing any finances or contesting custody of children, you could pursue mediation as an alternative. This is a quicker and cheaper substitute which in some cases doesn't involve lawyers. However, this wouldn't be suitable in cases where relationships are sour to the point that neither party is willing to cede any ground.

Collaborative separation could also be pursued. This is where both parties want to maintain a co-parenting relationship. If no other options remain, then a court trial can be pursued. This is advisable for instances where there are many points of contention. You should therefore first examine your circumstances in order to determine the kind of lawyer you'll need. Remember that only you truly know where your interests lie.

Avoid rushed decisions when selecting a lawyer. It's important to first identify potential candidates who you can interview. An ideal attorney should be experienced in family law and properly relate to the kind of divorce you're looking for.

Avoid rushing to hire the first attorney you meet. First identify at least three potential lawyers that you could interview before deciding. The ideal attorney should specialize in family law and be well versed in the specific type of divorce you're seeking. They should also help the client understand the process, have the ability to negotiate and communicate well, handle problems creatively and be experienced in the specific court system.

When interviewing candidates, there are a number of red flags that should be looked out for. In a divorce, there are no guarantees. As such, steer clear of any lawyer that makes any kind of promises. You can also ascertain their confidentiality by looking out for details of past cases which they may mention to you. Lawyers have a professional code of conduct which spells out the manner in which they should carry out their business.




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