The way your divorce case is handled directly impacts you and your family’s future. You need a lawyer who understands your situation and has in-depth knowledge of the law. A good divorce attorney will give you the reassurance you need to trust them in handling your divorce. That way, you feel comfortable stepping away when things get hard emotionally.
To find a great divorce attorney, you need to know the right questions to ask. As you meet with divorce attorneys for a consultation, make sure you’re prepared.
8 Questions to Ask A Divorce Lawyer
- How many divorce cases have you handled? You want to work with an attorney that has experience working on divorce cases. Asking them this question will give you an idea of how familiar they are with divorce.
- Do you know my spouse’s attorney? It can be an advantage for you if your lawyer knows your spouse’s attorney and understands their tactics. But if the potential lawyer is good friends with your spouse’s attorney, you should move on to someone else.
- How often do you reach a settlement instead of going to court? Depending on your situation, you may prefer reaching a settlement instead of taking your divorce to court. A skilled lawyer will do everything possible to negotiate your divorce without going to court.
- What is the best way to contact you? If you can’t easily reach your lawyer to discuss your case, they might not be the best fit. Lawyers that make you wait days before getting back to you might not be on the top of your list.
- What does your caseload look like right now? Asking this question can help you understand how much attention your case will receive. An attorney that is overwhelmed with cases can’t give your case the attention it needs. It can also mean a longer divorce.
- What are your fees? You need to have an estimate of how much your divorce will cost before you can make any decisions. Ask about retainer fees, hourly fees, and any extra fees the lawyer will charge you.
- How well do you know the local family court judges? A divorce attorney who understands how the local family court judges tend to rule can be a huge advantage for you. If your lawyer knows what the judge assigned to your case is like, they can adjust their strategy accordingly.
- Questions Specific to Your Situation. During your consultation with a potential lawyer, you need to be your own biggest advocate. Make sure to ask them specific questions about their experience with situations similar to yours. If you have children, ask them about their experience with custody. If your spouse was in the military, ask the potential lawyer about their experience with military divorces. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need to know the answers to for your divorce to be successful.
Schedule A Consultation Today
At Bloom & Rudibaugh, we have an experienced team of family law attorneys who hold expertise in all aspects of California family law. We are prepared to help you successfully file for your divorce. Call our Hemet Law Office today at 951-652-1400 or our Murrieta/Temecula office at 951-296-5360 to schedule a consultation with one of our family lawyers.
