Questions to ask your divorce lawyer at the first meeting

On Behalf of | Feb 14, 2017 | Divorce, Firm News

Divorce is never easy. It is always full of complications, especially when it comes to dividing assets and dealing with custody issues. Now that you and your husband have decided to divorce, these are just a couple of the things you will have to think about with regard to a settlement.

Who is going to get the main residence? Who will get the vacation condominium? Will your husband give you full custody of your two children? How you will support them and yourself without his income?

One of the best ways to handle these questions is to hire the right California divorce attorney. Finding a good attorney is the most important thing you can do for your divorce. You want a lawyer that is going to advocate for you and your children. To ensure that you are consulting with an attorney that will protect your interests, there are some important questions you should ask during the initial consultation.

How much of your practice is dedicated to family law?

You want an attorney that is primarily focused on California family law. An attorney that has a practice of 90 percent criminal law and 10 percent family law, may not be your best choice. The more knowledgeable and focused on family law your lawyer is, the better chance you have of receiving the divorce settlement you want.

How long have you been practicing family law?

It is important to select an attorney that is experienced. Since divorce is complicated, you want a lawyer that is skilled at negotiation and knows how to navigate the court process.

Is your primary client base men or women?

This can be important because you want a lawyer that has represented clients in situations similar to yours. If your attorney has represented mostly men and very few women, you may want to look elsewhere. If you attorney does not understand your needs, it is unlikely that you will receive the kind of representation that you want.

Are you familiar with the judges?

Your attorney should know the judges well enough to know how to present the case. If your attorney does not know the judges, then you may be at a distinct disadvantage especially if your husband’s lawyer is very experienced with the family court judges.

How do you feel about negotiations and mediations?

You and your future ex-husband may be able to reach a divorce settlement outside of court. An attorney that is interested in solving problems and not creating them is going to be beneficial if this happens. A lawyer that is too contentious, regardless of your wishes, may land you in a court battle that could have been avoided.

If you are thinking of getting divorced, it is important to have an attorney that will represent and protect your interests. Asking the right questions can help you choose the lawyer that is a good match for your needs.