Like criminal, business and real estate lawyers, not all divorce attorneys are the same. So you need to make sure that the one you are hiring understands your needs. But this can be difficult when there are so many options available to you. In order to minimize the chances of making a mistake when looking for this kind of an attorney, you need to keep a few things in mind. When searching for the right divorce lawyer Austin residents can look locally or online.
A good starting point is learning the various divorce laws applied in Austin. For example, understand what takes place during the filing of a petition and how long it takes. Know how to serve separation papers and what to do in case your spouse refuses to acknowledge it. Other issues that you need to understand are child support, spousal support, asset division and visitation rights. The more you equip yourself with the laws applied in your state, the easier it will become to identify an attorney who fits your needs.
Establishing your goals from the onset is also important in finding a divorce lawyer who fits your needs. For example, you may want to maintain your current lifestyle regardless of legally separating from your spouse. If this is the case, you will need an attorney who can properly negotiate for fair asset division while still ensuring that you get spousal support. Yet, it is also possible that some of your goals may protract the separation process.
Next, identify at least 3 or 4 potential divorce lawyers. Avoid the compulsion to settle for the first attorney that you meet. From your meeting with the attorneys, you will be able to make an informed decision on who to hire for the job. When looking for potential attorneys in your area, ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Consulting your real estate attorney will also enable you to identify good family lawyers in your area. The Internet is the other source you can rely on since most attorneys today have websites advertising their services.
Your next task is to interview the attorneys on your list. The first meeting is free, so you should be able to meet all the prospective lawyers. Besides explaining your situation to the attorney, use the opportunity to evaluate the experience and knowledge the lawyer has in separation matters. For example, find out how many cases the attorney has handled in the past one year.
Ask the attorney to provide some reference to his or her past cases. While this will depend on whether the clients agree to the request, talking to past clients provides you with an insight about the personality of your potential attorney. For example, find out whether the attorney is easy to talk to. You may also want to know whether he returns phone calls.
Of great importance, pick an attorney who is not only ethical, but knows the different family law judges in your jurisdiction. This is important in determining the strategies to use based on the outcomes of cases of a certain judge. They also know the style employed by a judge while determining certain matters like child visitation.
The extra legwork may seem unpalatable, but it is extremely crucial in identifying a divorce lawyer who can suit your needs. So do not be afraid to ask tough questions since you want a lawyer who can give you the best representation in a court of law.
A good starting point is learning the various divorce laws applied in Austin. For example, understand what takes place during the filing of a petition and how long it takes. Know how to serve separation papers and what to do in case your spouse refuses to acknowledge it. Other issues that you need to understand are child support, spousal support, asset division and visitation rights. The more you equip yourself with the laws applied in your state, the easier it will become to identify an attorney who fits your needs.
Establishing your goals from the onset is also important in finding a divorce lawyer who fits your needs. For example, you may want to maintain your current lifestyle regardless of legally separating from your spouse. If this is the case, you will need an attorney who can properly negotiate for fair asset division while still ensuring that you get spousal support. Yet, it is also possible that some of your goals may protract the separation process.
Next, identify at least 3 or 4 potential divorce lawyers. Avoid the compulsion to settle for the first attorney that you meet. From your meeting with the attorneys, you will be able to make an informed decision on who to hire for the job. When looking for potential attorneys in your area, ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Consulting your real estate attorney will also enable you to identify good family lawyers in your area. The Internet is the other source you can rely on since most attorneys today have websites advertising their services.
Your next task is to interview the attorneys on your list. The first meeting is free, so you should be able to meet all the prospective lawyers. Besides explaining your situation to the attorney, use the opportunity to evaluate the experience and knowledge the lawyer has in separation matters. For example, find out how many cases the attorney has handled in the past one year.
Ask the attorney to provide some reference to his or her past cases. While this will depend on whether the clients agree to the request, talking to past clients provides you with an insight about the personality of your potential attorney. For example, find out whether the attorney is easy to talk to. You may also want to know whether he returns phone calls.
Of great importance, pick an attorney who is not only ethical, but knows the different family law judges in your jurisdiction. This is important in determining the strategies to use based on the outcomes of cases of a certain judge. They also know the style employed by a judge while determining certain matters like child visitation.
The extra legwork may seem unpalatable, but it is extremely crucial in identifying a divorce lawyer who can suit your needs. So do not be afraid to ask tough questions since you want a lawyer who can give you the best representation in a court of law.
About the Author:
Read more about Key Things To Keep In Mind When Looking For A Divorce Lawyer Austin.
No comments:
Post a Comment