When it comes to hiring a divorce attorney, one needs to know that hiring an attorney in haste can cost you heavily. This is because divorce comes with complex issues where both parties can feel overburdened with the intricacies. So, if you are hiring a divorce attorney for the first time and don’t know how to start, asking these few questions can help you find the right one.
- How much experience he/she holds in the field?
The more experience an attorney has, the more skilled he shall be. Therefore, the first question to ask your divorce attorney is the number of years he/she has been in the field. Further, if the divorce is going to be contested, it will probably go to court, where your attorney will have to cross-examine, object, and provide appropriate evidence at the appropriate time. All of which requires accuracy and adeptness, which comes only through experience.
- How does the divorce procedure go about?
If you have never been through a divorce before, you need to ask the lawyer about the whole process of divorce. In this regard, Andrew Heft divorce lawyer can be of great help to you. They know the ins and outs of the whole process and can also give you the estimated time that the case will take. This will also help you test their knowledge of their own field.
- What is your fee structure?
The fee structure may differ from lawyer to lawyer. Thus, it is better to ask him/her about the fees beforehand. Sometimes divorce cases can go on for several years, which is why you need to know if your attorney will charge you by the hour or is there a fixed fee, does he have different rates for in court and out-court, and so on. These questions will help you avoid last-minute surprises.
- Cases settled out of court?
One always wants to keep their personal matters to themselves. Thus, avoiding court and settling cases outside the court is always advised and this kind of settlement is one major skill that not every attorney has.
- Who shall be involved in the case?
Lawyers usually work with a legal support team which includes paralegals, legal assistants, and secretaries. So knowing who will be handling which part of your case is important as you shall feel comfortable and confident while sharing your details with each one of them.
Finding a divorce attorney who not only understands your situation but who is also skilled and experienced is probably as difficult as going through a divorce. It is therefore important that you ask a few important questions before hiring one.