With a divorce attorney comes the assurance of fairness and equitability in a case. It is never an easy decision to make but it is one that requires extra care and caution. To ensure you are making the right choice, we have compiled a list of ten essential questions that you should ask before hiring a divorce attorney. With the answers to these questions, you can rest assured that your lawyer is knowledgeable and qualified to handle your case.
1. Are You Up-to-Date on Modern Divorce Laws?
There’s no doubt that divorce laws have changed drastically over the years. Here are some of the reforms now in place that you should know about:
- No-fault divorces going into effect — In the past, a divorcing couple had to prove fault, such as abandonment or adultery, to gain a divorce. In modern times, many jurisdictions allow divorces to happen through no-fault or mutual consent.
- Shifting of division of assets — Many states have adopted an equal division of assets protocol, rather than a system of the court assessing division of each asset. This can make divorce proceedings simpler and faster.
Further, many jurisdictions now mandate pre-divorce counseling. This isn’t mandatory for all divorcing couples, but it is becoming increasingly more common and it is a requirement in some states. Pre-divorce counseling is meant to help the couple think through their options and hopefully come to an agreement faster and with less fear of repercussions.
2. What Type of Cases Have You Handled Before?
I have seen a range of cases, from simple financial matters to complex personal injury issues. My broad experience has given me insight into the varied nature of litigation and appeals in civil matters.
Specifically, some of the cases I have handled include:
- SLAPP Suits: I have helped defend clients against frivolous Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation claims (SLAPPs).
- Discrimination and Harassment Claims: I have taken on cases involving allegations of discrimination and harassment in the workplace, ensuring justice for victims.
- Contract Disputes: I have represented clients in contractual disputes across a range of industries, resulting in convenient, amicable solutions.
I’m confident that my experience will enable me to find the right approach to any case I take on for my clients.
3. How Will You Represent Me During Mediation and Court Proceedings?
Once you hire our legal services, we will provide the necessary support. We believe that communicating clearly and honestly is the foundation of any successful mediation. This will enable us to build trust between us. During mediation, we will explicitly represent your interests, ensuring your requests are being heard. A few of the representations we will do for you include:
- We will give you the attention you deserve – We understand the gravity of this process and will make sure you have the opportunity to express your wishes.
- We will make the entire process as stress-free as possible – Our goal is to make this process as painless as possible. We will prepare you for mediation sessions and guide you through the court proceedings.
- We will fight for your best interests – We understand the importance of meditations and are prepared to assertively pursue your preferred outcomes in court.
We are also available outside of court and mediation sessions. If you have any questions or queries, have any concerns, or just want to discuss the matter with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
4. What Are Your Retainer Fees and Payment Options?
We understand that budget is an important factor when you’re choosing a web design agency. That’s why we keep our retainers simple and affordable.
We offer two tiers of retainers – Bronze and Silver. Our Bronze retainer starts from as low as $500 per month. With that, you’ll get a dedicated web designer who will help you with all your web design related needs. Our Silver retainer starts from $750 per month and offers additional services such as web hosting and maintenance.
Here’s a quick overview of our payment options:
- Monthly bank transfer
- Major credit cards
- PayPal
Regardless of which payment option you choose, we guarantee a transparent and secure payment process.
When considering the emotional and financial strain of a divorce, it’s essential to partner with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you get the best possible settlement. The 10 questions outlined in this article are just the tip of the iceberg; use them to find the right legal representation for your journey and don’t be afraid to continue asking tough questions until you are comfortable. With the right attorney, you can feel confident that you will get the justice you deserve.