4 Tips for Choosing the Right Attorney for a Stress-Free Divorce

You can’t always expect your relationship with your spouse to stay healthy. Certain situations and changes in your individual priorities can affect the intimacy you share. Negotiations can get you nowhere, and you will find yourself backed into a corner as you try to fight for your claim of what property you’re entitled to. 

If you’re unprepared, the complexities of family law will catch you off guard. Even worse is when you make hasty decisions that may lead to your disqualification for recovering certain assets and the loss of custody of your children. When you know what’s at stake in your divorce proceedings, it matters to consider these tips when recruiting the best lawyer for the job:

1. Consider the Uniqueness of Your Case

Some cases can be resolved within just a few weeks, with hardly any dispute, but if yours involves high-value assets, be ready for an uphill battle that only a competent lawyer can help you win.  Keep in mind that dividing conjugal wealth isn’t the only issue you need to overcome. 

Determining who gets to shoulder liabilities incurred during your marriage can complicate the situation even further. There’s also the issue of mental fitness and claims of substance abuse, which the other side will want to dispute. No matter the case, it’s important to analyze your situation and the possibility of escalation.

2. Avoid Hiring a Generalist

Not all family law experts can handle your situation, especially if it also includes disputes over conjugal property, child custody, and claims of assets kept in offshore banks. For instance, if you still have tax liabilities, you might find it beneficial to hire a divorce attorney with experience in tax laws. On the other hand, child custody battles are best dealt with by a lawyer with a background in social work and child psychology. 

3. Look for a Lawyer with Local Knowledge

Familiarity with local laws can benefit your side, especially if you have a lawyer who has a positive reputation. They also should possess in-depth knowledge of local court procedures, especially in California, where unique alimony and no-fault divorce rules apply. 

If you’re filing for divorce in the Bay Area, be sure to hire a trusted divorce lawyer in San Jose, where a six-month waiting period is mandated. This gives you time to negotiate a settlement and finalize the terms of your divorce, so be sure to get a lawyer who is experienced in maximizing this timeframe. 

4. Seek Out Recommendations 

It’s difficult to gauge whether the lawyer you found online is the right professional to represent you in your divorce proceedings. Learning about their specialty and experience doesn’t begin to determine whether they meet your needs. These matter, but so does work ethic and communication skills. 

The best way to know for sure if the divorce lawyer you’re hiring is the best possible option is to seek out past clients. Ask about their experiences and consider what else the lawyer is capable of delivering beyond what is expected of them. You can also look for online directories where past clients leave valuable feedback – whether positive or negative – to help you make the right decision. Doing this will spare you from any additional headaches knowing that you’re in good hands.

Endnote

Spare yourself the most stressful parts of your divorce. By hiring the right lawyer, you can get the results you want and part ways and move on peacefully.