7 Factors When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer in Richmond TX
Filing for a divorce is never fun or easy, but finding a divorce lawyer doesn’t have to add to your stress.
There are currently over 74,000 divorce lawyers in the US. Finding the right lawyer can help you avoid hiccups down the road. With a Richmond, TX lawyer you can trust at your side, you can simplify the process.
Not sure how to narrow down your options? Here are the seven factors you need to keep in mind. Using this guide can help you simplify your search for a good divorce lawyer.
Then, you can start the process of filing for your divorce. With a good lawyer’s help, you can minimize stress and begin your fresh start sooner than expected.
Begin your search for a good divorce lawyer with these tips today.
1. Specialized Experience
When searching for any lawyer, it’s important to find someone with the experience and expertise you need. A lawyer who recently passed the bar might struggle to help you. Instead, look for someone who has worked as a lawyer for at least 10 years.
Finding someone with years of experience can give you peace of mind. It’s not enough to find an experienced lawyer, though. Instead, look for someone with specialized experience.
Ask each lawyer you speak with how long they’ve specialized as a divorce lawyer. Make sure to ask how long they’ve practiced in the area, too.
Some alimony laws can differ based on the area you live in.
Choosing a local lawyer will ensure they understand the procedures and laws that apply to your case.
To start your search, visit your local bar association website. You can also visit the Martindale-Hubbell directory. Both resources can give you a list of lawyers in the area.
Then, determine how long each lawyer has practiced law and specialized.
Once you start interviewing lawyers, ask how many divorce cases they’ve handled over the years. Does your case involve unique circumstances (such as an abusive spouse)? Perhaps you need an uncontested divorce lawyer instead.
Ask if the lawyer has handled cases that were similar to yours, too.
Some family lawyers have experience in multiple areas. You might want to find someone with experience handling:
- Child custody agreements
- Estates and wills
- Litigants in court
- Prenuptial agreements
Choose the lawyer who is best suited to handle your unique case.
Online Research
You can head online to learn more about each divorce lawyer’s experience, expertise, and work history.
First, make sure they’re licensed to practice in the state you live in. Check your local bar association website for proof of their license. If it’s not up-to-date, scratch that lawyer off your list.
Consider looking for a lawyer who has additional certification, too. For example, you might want to choose someone with extensive courtroom experience. In that case, find a lawyer with a National Board of Trial Advocacy certificate.
Learning more about their work history can give you peace of mind that they’re qualified to handle your case.
2. Courtroom Experience
A good divorce lawyer will also have years of courtroom experience.
There’s no way to anticipate whether or not your case will end up in a courtroom. During your search for a divorce lawyer, remain proactive. Make sure your lawyer is comfortable taking your case to court.
If they’re nervous about arguing your case in front of a judge and jury, scratch that lawyer off your list.
Otherwise, your lawyer might try to settle the case out of court to avoid going to trial. These lawyers don’t have your best interests in mind.
Ask each lawyer how many cases they’ve handled in a courtroom. Try to learn more about how those cases went, too.
3. A Strong Professional History
Over 746,000 divorces are filed each year. Even a simple divorce attorney should have professional experience. If they don’t have hands-on experience, scratch them off your list.
Ask about the recent cases they’ve handled. What track record do they have? How many of those cases were similar to yours.
Ask about the outcome of those cases. If the lawyer somehow dropped the ball with that case, it’s likely they’re not the right fit.
4. References and Reviews
Every lawyer will try to convince you that they’re the best attorney for your case. You don’t have to believe them. Instead, ask for references and reviews.
You can learn more about a lawyer by speaking with some of their recent clients.
Ask to speak with a client who was in a similar situation that you’re in now. Then, talk to them about their experience with the lawyer. Were they satisfied with the outcome of their case?
Would they suggest you contact a different lawyer? Why?
You can also head online to find reviews. Check the lawyer’s Google My Business or Better Business Bureau listing.
5. Confidence in Your Case
Start narrowing down your options. Then, meet with at least three Richmond, TX divorce lawyers on your list. Discuss the specifics of your case.
Do you have a high net worth divorce case? Does your case involve children? Make sure to find the right lawyer for your situation.
Then, ask the lawyer about the legal strategy they would use. What outcome do they expect for your case?
If they don’t sound confident in their own abilities, look elsewhere.
6. Look for Red Flags
During your search for a good divorce lawyer, it’s important to check for red flags.
First, make sure they’re professional and respectful.
Do they pick up the phone or check their computer during your consultation? Scratch them off your list. They likely won’t dedicate their time and attention to your case.
Make sure the lawyer is ethical, too. Otherwise, you could come across problems down the road.
7. The Contract
Ask each lawyer for a copy of their contract. Make sure to read through it before signing on the dotted line.
What fee structure do they use? Can you afford their services?
Don’t choose the cheapest option available. Instead, review this list to make sure you make an informed decision.
Finding a Richmond, TX Divorce Lawyer: 7 Factors to Consider First
Don’t rush to hire the first Richmond, TX divorce lawyer you come across. Instead, keep these seven factors in mind during your search. With these tips, you can find a good divorce lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
They’ll ensure you receive the help you deserve.
Want to discuss your case with a lawyer you can trust? Take the first step.
Contact us today to get started.
