How to find a good divorce Lawyer
You’ve decided your marriage is no longer a viable relationship, and you need to hire a good divorce lawyer. But where do you start?
You don’t want to just randomly call lawyers in the phone book or go strictly by their website bios. You want to find a divorce lawyer in New Mexico with whom you feel comfortable and whom you trust to act in the most competent and professional manner and your best interests. Use these tips on How to find a good divorce Lawyer and take the first step toward ending your marriage and getting on with your life.
1. Determine The Type Of Lawyer You’ll Need To Retain
Put your children first-Take into account the age, some children and the relationship you and your spouse have with them. If your children are pre-teen and older, they may be the part of proceedings to declare with whom they wish to live.
Consider your financial situation – If you have any financial holdings such as shared bank and investment accounts, property ownership, and other joint assets, you’ll need to find a lawyer well-versed in laws governing finance.
If you are seeking a divorce from an abusive spouse – physical or verbal, you will want to seek a lawyer who specializes in women’s rights.
2. Ask Your Divorced Friends For Recommendations
Talk to Friends-Most of your friends who have gone through a divorce won’t shy away from relating their stories. Some friends will openly discuss finances such as the consultation fee they paid and what the lawyer charges per hour.
3. Communication With The Lawyer
Were emails and phone calls quickly returned? Was the staff knowledgeable and friendly? An essential factor should the attorney be unreachable when you have a question?
How the attorney in court was – did he or she look comfortable communicating with the other attorneys and the judge?
Ask your friends if they would choose this same lawyer if they were in the situation again. Find out if your friends’ cases were settled in the agreed-upon time frame or if the attorney tended to drag things out.
4. Consult With Several Attorneys Before Retaining One
Call your top 2 or 3 prospective candidates to set up a consultation. Be prepared to pay for the consultation, even though some do offer a free initial consultation.
Make a folder of legal documents take along, including the original marriage license, your driver’s license, tax records. Include proof of infidelity if this is the basis of the divorce, and you have this type of documentation.
5. Ask The Lawyer To Lay Out Fee Schedule
Many lawyers will charge a set fee up front, based on information they have gathered from you. This is often a major sum of money that their office hours are charged against.…