Choosing the right divorce lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make during this stressful time. It is a decision that will impact how you navigate your case, the outcome and how much you pay in legal fees. You will want to choose a family law attorney who is experienced, understands your situation and is a good listener. It is also important that you feel comfortable working with them. Choosing the best divorce lawyer for your needs is not easy, but it can be done with a little bit of research.
A good way to find a qualified divorce attorney is through social referrals from friends and family. However, be cautious about this method because your referring friend may have different goals from you when it comes to the outcome of your divorce. Also, social referrals are often based on personal experiences and may not necessarily be a true representation of what your own experience will be like.
Another source for finding a good divorce attorney is online searches and reviews. Be sure to read multiple reviews so that you get a well-rounded picture of how an attorney performs in their practice. It is also important to consider the attorney’s level of education, certifications and specializations. Doing so will help you determine if they are an excellent fit for your needs and will be a good advocate for you.
Once you have compiled a list of potential candidates, schedule an initial consultation with each attorney. Most attorneys offer free or low-cost consultations, so this is a great opportunity to meet them and see if they are a good fit for you. During your consultation, ask them about their background and experience in family law, what their general approach to cases is and if they have handled a case similar to yours. Click here to contact the best divorce attorney in Missouri and have a free consultation and guidance.
Also, ask them about their pricing structure and how they bill for their services. Most divorce lawyers charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee for a case. If you are going to use a flat fee, be sure to clarify whether it includes all of your legal fees or if there will be any hidden costs.
During your initial consultation, be sure to ask each candidate questions about their philosophy and approach to divorce cases. You should also ask them to provide you with a rough estimate of how long your case will likely take and what the total cost is expected to be. It is also a good idea to ask if they handle all types of divorces, or if they only specialize in contested and uncontested divorces.
Finally, you will want to be sure that you and your attorney see eye-to-eye on how to proceed with the divorce. If you and your attorney are not on the same page, it can cause major problems and will definitely affect the outcome of your case. Be wary of attorneys who try to tell you what you want to hear in order to close the deal.