How to Choose a Divorce Attorney That’s Right For You

There’s no doubt that divorce is a life-changing event that will induce stress and upheaval. So how can you manage the transition and the hurdles along the way, and still able to land on your feet at the end? The most important decision you make at this time is in choosing a divorce attorney that’s right for you. So knowing how to choose a divorce attorney is an essential first step on your journey.

Why is Knowing How to Choose a Divorce Attorney So Important?

Simply put, there’s a lot at stake. Setting your marriage concerns aside for a moment, if someone asked you to identify what you value most in life, how would you answer? For many people, the answers to that question are very similar, usually along the lines of family, faith, safety and security. A divorce can shake up any of these priorities, so it’s so important to find a professional in whom you can place your trust to work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family

Tips on How to Choose a Divorce Attorney

Likewise, it’s important to know how to choose a divorce attorney who will work diligently on your behalf and do everything possible to ease the stress along the way. These tips will help you on this important search for the right divorce attorney for you.

Tip 1: Research and Vet Potential Attorneys Thoroughly

The New Jersey State Bar Association website is a good place to start your search for a divorce lawyer. While it’s not a requirement, an attorney who is certified in matrimonial law is considered the gold standard for divorce cases. You can also ask for referrals from trusted professionals, such as your financial planner or estate attorney.

Tip 2: Prioritize Family Law Focus and State-Specific Expertise

A divorce lawyer is a family lawyer whose practice includes divorce among other things. Divorce law is considered a subset of family law; therefore, a family law attorney can represent a client in a divorce and also handle a broader range of legal issues in family law. A family law attorney can represent a client in a divorce, but also handle cases that include prenuptial agreements, guardianship, adoption, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, paternity, legal separations, marital property division, cohabitation, domestic violence, and mediation. Thus, a family law attorney can offer holistic representation in divorce cases which also involve child custody, child support, spousal support, or any combination of those factors.

When considering how to choose a divorce attorney that’s right for you, it’s also important to check that your divorce attorney has membership in the New Jersey Bar Association. You’ll also want to check that the firm you’re considering has familiarity with local courts and experience in the county in which you plan to file your case.

Tip 3: Assess Communication Style and Firm Culture

You will need to be in frequent contact with your attorney as you move through the divorce process. It’s wise to assess the communication between you before you enter any agreement to proceed. Perhaps it would be helpful to hire a firm that offers resources tailored for bilingual clients. If you are in a same-sex marriage, you may prefer to hire a firm which can offer an experienced LGBTQ divorce lawyer.

The culture of the law firm is important, beginning with a pleasant voice answering the phone on your first call. When you enter the office, are you greeted by staff who are friendly and welcoming? Do you receive prompt replies to your voice messages and emails? Are you confident your interactions will be courteous, confidential, and professional?

Effective communication with your attorney is particularly important. Is your attorney attentively listening to your concerns and giving you practical advice and feedback?

The answers to these questions are important. You’ll want to feel assured that your case will be handled professionally and with the utmost respect to client satisfaction and court deadlines.

Tip 4: Prepare for Your Consultation and Ask the Right Questions

For the initial consultation with your divorce attorney, it’s a good idea to come prepared with questions. For example, you should ask your attorney:
● What is your expertise, and how does it relate to my case?
● How do you structure your fees and billing, and what other costs should I expect?
● Does my case require going to court, or is it a good candidate for an out-of-court settlement or mediation?
● How familiar are you with the local courts and judges?
● Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients, with their consent?

Tip 5: Evaluate Their Negotiation and Litigation Skills

A divorce doesn’t always involve a trial. In your search for a divorce attorney that’s right for you, you should discuss all avenues and ask for the attorney to be candid about the firm’s experience in each. Settling your divorce out of court has the potential to save you significant time and money, so it’s prudent to discuss with your attorney the following forms of alternative dispute resolution:
● Negotiation, where both spouses and their attorneys work toward a mutual agreement on child support, custody, and division of assets;
● Mediation, where skilled mediators try to facilitate agreements between partners who disagree on the terms of the settlement, or when communication has broken down;
● Collaborative divorce, a good choice if you and your spouse are mostly in agreement about the divorce; and
● Arbitration, by a skilled arbitrator whom both spouses have agreed upon in advance. Although you will have less control in your divorce settlement, arbitration is a good choice when mediation has failed to produce an agreement, while still avoiding the additional costs and delays of a trial.

Tip 6: Consider Their Track Record and Client Satisfaction

Any family law firm you are considering should be able to provide references and testimonials from past clients. Carefully review the firm’s website for information about its areas of expertise, staff credentials, resources, certifications, blogs, and community and professional partnerships, and compare these results with other firms you are considering.

Tip 7: Trust Your Gut Feeling

It will be important to have a good rapport with your divorce attorney. You will be speaking or meeting frequently, revealing details of your personal life and finances, so it’s essential that you can establish trust with your attorney.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Divorce Attorney

A common mistake in the search for a divorce attorney is failing to do enough research before you make your decision. It’s not impossible to find a great fit during your first consultation, but like any other major life decision, the odds point to better success when you do some comparison shopping.

Another mistake is in making your decision based on cost alone. Fees and payment structures are important considerations, but you may come out ahead in the long run when you give more weight to expertise, especially in high-asset divorce cases.

Choose Your New Jersey Divorce Attorney Wisely

At DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law, our partners are among the 2% of New Jersey divorce lawyers that are certified in matrimonial law. Our team of attorneys pride themselves on settling 99% of the cases they take outside of court. If your case, however, cannot be settled through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution measures, you can be assured of exceptional representation by seasoned trial attorneys. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.