Divorce is a stressful time in anyone’s life. However, there are many things that can be done to ensure a positive outcome for all parties involved. One of the most important factors is selecting an experienced divorce attorney to handle your case. Choosing the right attorney can help you avoid making costly mistakes and have a lasting impact on your future.
A good divorce attorney must be knowledgeable about family law, particularly New York state laws, but more importantly, he or she must be able to make sound judgment calls. This means being able to evaluate your specific situation and determine whether it is appropriate to mediate, negotiate or take your case to trial. It also means being able to make the call on what’s best for your children and financial well-being: do you want joint custody, sole custody or a combination of both? Do you think it’s a good idea to attempt to settle out of court or do you want to try for a contested divorce that will require a lengthy trial?
When interviewing potential divorce attorneys, listen carefully to their word choice and pay attention to their body language. These are small things that can tell you a lot about their character and the way they handle your case. In addition, you should ask questions during the initial consultation, so that you are completely clear on what to expect throughout the process.
You should also be aware that not all attorneys are created equal. The experience and expertise of your attorney will play a significant role in the outcome of your case, especially when it comes to negotiating large financial settlements or complex assets. Look for an attorney who specializes in the area of divorce that is most relevant to your unique situation, such as high-asset divorces or child custody disputes. You may also wish to choose an attorney who has served on family-law committees or addressed bar associations on these topics.
If you decide to choose a divorce attorney, you should also discuss how they will bill you for services. Some firms have a bundled-base service that includes everything you will need to get through your divorce, while others offer task-based billing, wherein certain aspects of the case are handled by the attorney and other items are completed by paralegals or associates. It is best to know what to expect before hiring an attorney, in order to budget appropriately for your specific case.
Lastly, you should be sure that you and your potential divorce attorney see eye-to-eye on key issues such as how to approach your case and how to resolve disagreements. It isn’t practical to hire an attorney if you disagree on the method of divorce or how to handle child custody and support disputes.
For instance, if you agree that mediation is the best option but your potential divorce attorney insists on going to trial, this could cause delays and added expense. It is much more cost-effective and efficient to reach an agreement at the outset. Scheidungsanwalt