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                     Finding Hope and Healing
Tips for Choosing a Divorce Lawyer


By Helene Taylor, Esq.

When it comes to choosing a divorce lawyer, how do you decide? Here are a few quick tips to help you determine which divorce lawyer to hire:

You May Want To Avoid Lawyers Who:

  •   Are general practitioners and don’t specialize in family law.
  •   Have reputations for being aggressive and disliked by lawyers and judges.
  •   Have less than 5 years of family law experience.
  •   Represent substantially more men than women.
  •   Take a majority of their client’s divorce cases to trial.
  •   Won’t go to trial under any circumstances, even if necessary.
  •   Don’t handle child custody and support issues (if applicable).
  •   Charge hourly fees you can’t afford.
  •   Refuse to use written retainer contracts.
  •   Are confusing and don’t answer questions clearly.
  •   Make you feel uncomfortable.

You May Want To Choose A Lawyer Who:

  •   Has a reputation for being well liked, respected and successful.
  •   Represents an equal number of men and women or mostly women
  •   Has 5 to 10 years of family law experience.
  •   Is a family law specialist certified by your State’s Bar Association.
  •   Has family law trial experience in your city’s courts.
  •   Is familiar with the family law judges and lawyers in your city.
  •   Successfully settles a large number of cases.
  •   Charges reasonable hourly fees you can afford.
  •   Always uses written retainer contracts.
  •   Is a good listener, explains things to you clearly and answers your questions.
  •   Makes you fee comfortable and assured.



This article is not legal advice. You should contact a licensed lawyer in your state to discuss the specifics or your case and applicable laws.