Choosing the Right Divorce/Matrimonial or Family Law Attorney
Selecting the right attorney to handle your divorce, matrimonial or family law matter can be scary. After all, it’s an expensive endeavor and can lead to a variation of lasting outcomes. If you are comfortable speaking to community members about your circumstances, it’s always great to get direct recommendations. If not, here are a few tips to help you find the right representation on your own.
Look Past the First Page: Make sure that when you google terms like “best divorce lawyer near me” you flip through a few google pages to make sure that you have exhausted your options. This will allow you to move past the Ad Sponsored territory and into your local attorney’s information. Attorneys tend to pay a lot of money to advertise their services. Just because an attorney or law firm is willing to spend thousands of dollars on advertisements does not mean that they are actually the best.
Read the Reviews: Google Reviews generally cannot be edited, which means they are likely to provide an accurate assessment of the attorney or law firm. Make sure to read the reviews, both positive and negative and look for statements about the attorney’s legal skills and demeanor. The stars a reviewer provides may not provide you with enough information alone. Remember, you are looking for an attorney who is both responsive to clients and knowledgeable about the area of law.
Make the Most of Your Consultation: Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, schedule a few consultations. Right now, many attorneys are providing virtual consults, which will make it easier to assess the attorney without needing to take too much time from your busy schedule. In order to make the most out of your consultation, make sure you have the right information on hand. A good attorney will be able to guide you through the consultation and ask you the right questions, but it’s helpful that you have the answers. For example, having a rough estimate of your spouse’s earnings or the balance of your mortgage are bits of information that will help the attorney provide you with a more accurate assessment of your circumstances. If the attorney does not lead the conversation and hit the right points, consider it a sign that he or she is not the right attorney for you.
Pay Attention to the Responses: A good attorney will provide you with answers, whether they are the ones you want to hear or not. Avoid hiring an attorney who seeks to “kick the can,” as though you are not entitled to responses simply because you have not retained his or her services. While an attorney is not there simply to provide you with free advice, he or she should be able to provide you with an outline of what you can expect in your specific circumstances. Also, beware of an attorney who agrees with everything you say and promises you too much. An attorney is there to help you navigate the legal system and should not promise you more than the law allows.
If the Shoe Fits: Make sure that the attorney is the right fit for you. Attorneys, just like doctors, have their own personalities and styles, which are separate and apart from their skill level. It’s important that you select an attorney you like and with whom you will get along. Don’t hire an attorney simply because they seem to know what they’re doing. Rather, select someone who you feel comfortable with, who will advocate on your behalf whether you are in the room or not. While that attorney may not always agree with you, he or she should be able to provide you with perspective and rationale.
If you have more questions about the legal process and selecting the right attorney, please feel free to contact me directly by phone at (718) 689-2900 or email at danielle@montaltobly.com. I offer free thirty-minute consultations, which can be scheduled by phone or right on this website.