It’s easy to say, “I want to hire the best attorney,” or “I want to hire the best divorce lawyer.”
Family law cases like divorce and custody often get heated, emotional, and complicated. The results have a huge impact on your life moving forward. So wanting the best attorney seems only natural.
But defining what “best” means can be somewhat difficult. It’s usually a subjective term. What’s best in one situation isn’t always what’s best for another.
In reality, finding the best attorney to represent you is more about finding the best fit. No two cases are identical, each comes with different personalities and different needs.
How do you choose the best attorney?
So, the question remains, how do you find the best attorney to handle your case and protect your interests? We have some traits to look for and questions to ask.
Traits to Look For:
Experience
When a business hires an employee, they consider experience. The same thing applies to finding a divorce lawyer.
An attorney with experience in cases similar to yours is more likely to grasp the ins and outs of what you face. Every type of case comes with nuances and subtleties that impact the outcome.
For example, if you have kids, an attorney with custody experience may fit the bill better than one without. The same goes for if you own a business, if you have a lot of property to divide, and many other factors.
When evaluating a potential attorney’s experience, it also helps to look at the experience of the firm. If they’re part of a firm, that is.
Firms often focus on a specific practice area, like family law. They employ a team of attorneys well-versed in the rules of your jurisdiction. This also means your attorney has a wealth of additional experience at their fingertips.
Related Reading: Do You Have to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
Honesty
As in the rest of life, honesty is a great trait in a lawyer. Honesty is essential to providing the best representation for their clients and an essential ingredient for success.
During a divorce or custody case, you’re likely to face hard truths. Some will be obvious, but not all. It’s important for your lawyer to be able to tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear.
The best lawyer for you gives a clear explanation of all your options and makes sure you understand. They also provide insight into the possible outcomes of each option. It’s important to trust your attorney and be confident they’re acting in your best interest.
Related Reading: Concerns When You Divorce a Narcissist
Leadership
Family law cases often overflow with conflict and stress. The best divorce attorneys know strong leadership is necessary for navigating the course.
You hire legal representation to steer you through the process. Great lawyers employ a strong strategy for guiding their clients and inspiring confidence in their abilities.
Related Reading: Common Divorce Myths Debunked
Communication Skills
Clear, concise communication should be a priority. Legal issues are complex and the laws aren’t always easy to understand.
A great family law attorney explains the details and keeps you informed throughout the entire process. Your attorney is your advocate. You should always feel aware of and understand the details of your case. And it’s their job to make sure you do.
Related Reading: What’s In a Divorce Decree?
Intelligence
Great attorneys display intelligence and legal understanding. They think analytically and creatively about the specific challenges of your case.
The best attorneys are quick on their feet. They’re able to adapt easily to changing circumstances. And all of this while still working toward a successful result.
Related Reading: High Asset Divorce Mistakes
Strategic Thinking
Top family law attorneys all share one common trait: strategic thinking. They quickly identify their client’s long-term goals and tailor their approach to meet those aims.
They have a large, diverse toolbox, and they carefully select the right tool to get the job done. It’s vital to have a clear, definitive plan about how to proceed. Things can and usually do change in a hurry, but it’s key to have a solid foundation on which to build your case.
Divorce is a stressful time. Finding the best attorney for you and yours adds to this pressure. But while it presents difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Related Reading: How Do You Divorce in California?
Comments 7
Excellent blog Goldberg. You gave a comprehensive overview of what to look for when choosing a family law attorney. Your points on experience, honesty, leadership, communication skills, intelligence and strategic thinking are all very helpful in making an informed decision. Great job!
Ruby
My older brother is getting a divorce and he needs to find the right lawyer to represent him. I agree with your suggestion to choose a divorce lawyer that prioritizes communication and has good communication skills. I’ll have to help my brother find a lawyer that is a great communicator for his case.
I am heartily impressed by your blog and learn more from your article. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
This article helps me a lot. Thanks for sharing valuable information.
It’s great that you point out that a lawyer can help guide you through the process of getting divorced. My wife and I decided to separate last month, so I’m thinking about hiring a divorce lawyer. I’m going to search for a good divorce lawyer that I can hire.
It’s awesome that you point out that a lawyer can help guide you through the complex legal process of getting divorced. My wife just told me that she wants to get a divorce, so I’m thinking about hiring a lawyer to represent me. I’m going to search for a good divorce lawyer in my area to hire.
I agree that it would be good to choose a lawyer with some experience. I feel like the more cases they have handled, the more likely they would be to know how to handle yours specifically. I’ll make sure to look for that in a lawyer if my wife and I ever decide to get divorced.