Finding a good divorce lawyer isn’t easy. This decision is one of the most important ones that people who plan to separate from their spouses must make. Read on to find some tips on how to find the right Tulsa divorce attorney that will simplify the process.
Start by Identifying Pain Points
The first step in the process isn’t to start calling every law office in town. It’s to get an idea of what the case will look like and which aspects of it will be most challenging. Make a list of the most likely pain points, which could include things like child custody or child support, property division, or prenuptial agreements. Having a written list of potential issues makes it easier to narrow down options to lawyers with experience handling those factors.
Figure Out the Right Type of Lawyer
Every divorce lawyer has different ideas, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. Some are fantastic negotiators but they don’t have much trial experience. Others focus primarily on mediation proceedings. Before scheduling a consultation, find out what kinds of experience the lawyer has and make sure they’re a good fit for resolving the pain points determined during the first step of the process.
Determine a Budget
It’s important to balance the level of legal services required against the cost of those services. Everyone can benefit from consulting a divorce lawyer prior to filing paperwork, but those with complicated situations that involve children, high-value assets, or shared businesses may need more extensive help. Unless the marriage was short and did not involve the accumulation of shared assets or bringing any children into the world, it’s worth spending a little more money on a high-powered divorce lawyer with plenty of trial experience.
Learn How to Research Lawyers
When turning to the Internet to research potential lawyers, don’t assume that the first law firm to come up on a Google search is necessarily the right one. Large advertising budgets don’t always equate to high levels of experience and competence. That being said, a reputable lawyer will always have a professional-looking website that offers sufficient information to help clients figure out their options.
It’s always best to request word-of-mouth referrals from friends, family members, or other lawyers that practice different forms of law. When that isn’t possible, try to find information about other people’s experiences with the lawyer or law firm and make sure to interview the lawyer carefully.
Make a List of Questions before the Interview
Going through a divorce is a stressful experience that can make it difficult to remain objective or remember key talking points. Avoid this problem by writing down a list of questions for the lawyer before heading in for the consultation. This makes it easy to stay focused and ensures that clients won’t make rash decisions based on emotions alone.
Meeting with lawyers can make people nervous. Try not to get overwhelmed. Just stay on track during the interview and bring along a pencil and a pad of paper to take notes for review after the fact.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a lawyer can be tough, but it’s nowhere near as difficult as going through a divorce alone. Follow the advice above to ensure that the lawyer will be a good fit and take the time to interview multiple candidates if possible to get a better idea of each lawyer’s unique style.
