Very carefully. There are few choices that carry as much importance as choosing the right divorce attorney. Selecting the right divorce attorney is critical because the outcome of your divorce may have repercussions that affect the rest of your life. You should start by speaking to trusted people in your social circles who have been through divorces themselves. If you are unable to get any personal recommendations, then you can start looking online for lawyers in your area who have a high rating and specialize in family and divorce law.
A good divorce attorney will help you navigate your divorce as both a counsellor and advocate seeking at all times to stand up for your interests above all else. You should hire a lawyer who will always treat you with understanding and respect. A good candidate will take the time to learn about you and your children before he or she gets to work. You want someone who not only cares about you, but has a true concern about how your divorce can adversely affect your children. During your search, be sure to stay clear of those so-called “hot shots” who put their firm’s bottom line above your best interest.
No two divorces are exactly the same. But a seasoned divorce lawyer who has been around for a long time will most likely have confronted many situations that you are apt to find yourself facing in your divorce.
Look for a divorce lawyer who will listen to your concerns, make inquiries about what you wish to achieve, and give you a precise evaluation of achieving your goals. After your initial consultation, assess whether you feel comfortable with this lawyer and whether you are compatible in terms of positions, opinions, and personalities.
To summarize, you should look for a divorce lawyer who:
- Has a focus exclusively on family or divorce law.
- Has connections with other professionals, such as forensic accountants, business evaluators, therapists, and custody/parenting experts.
- Has a lot of relevant experience in this field.
- Is proficient when it comes to negotiation.
- Is reasonable.
- Is totally honest with you.
- Puts your best interest first.
Any good lawyer should know exactly why he or she is engaging in the practice of law. That’s why The Law Offices of Lloyd A. Malech developed the following Mission Statement: To ethically provide aggressive representation and favorable outcomes while always treating clients with understanding and respect.