What To Ask A Divorce Lawyer In Texas

By David Gutierrez | April 5, 2021

Getting a divorce can feel like a messy, stressful process. It’s important to have an experienced lawyer at your side. With their help, you can get through your divorce with minimal stress.

There are currently over 74,682 family law and divorce lawyers employed in the US. Do you know how to narrow down your options?

Here are the seven questions you need to ask before hiring a divorce attorney. With these questions for a divorce lawyer, you can make the best possible choice for your case.

Set yourself up for success with the best questions for divorce lawyer interviews today.

1. How Much Specialized Experience in Divorce Do You Have?

It’s not enough to hire the first lawyer you come across. Instead, focus on finding a lawyer who specializes in family law and divorce cases.

How long have they worked as a lawyer? When did they choose their specialty? How many cases have they taken in that time?

Are you dealing with a contested divorce case? Make sure your lawyer has experience with similar cases.

Choosing a lawyer who specializes in divorce is essential. They’ll have the knowledge and hands-on experience you need. They’ll also understand the laws and procedures that are relevant to your case.

Choosing someone with the wrong specialty could cost you.

Once you determine their experience, learn more about their qualifications.

Is their license up-to-date? You can check your local bar association website to make sure.

Do they have any other certifications? For example, you might want a lawyer with extensive courtroom experience. See if they have a National Board of Trial Advocacy certification.

A lawyer with this certification will have the training to properly prepare for trial.

2. Do You Have Courtroom Experience?

Your divorce could end up going to court. Make sure the lawyer you choose isn’t nervous about arguing your case in front of a judge. If they’re apprehensive about going to court, they might try to settle quickly.

You could earn less than you deserve as a result.

Instead, ask about their courtroom experience. How many cases have they taken to trial and verdict?

Pay attention to how your lawyer speaks. Do they sound confident in their own abilities?

If not, look for someone else.

3. Can You Provide References?

You don’t have to believe a lawyer who raves about their own abilities. Instead, ask for proof of their abilities. Ask if you can speak with some of their previous clients.

Talk to each client about their experience working with that divorce lawyer. Did they have any issues?

You can also find reviews online. Check the law firm’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listing. You can check the Martindale-Hubbel directory too.

4. How Strong is Your Track Record?

As you use these questions for divorce lawyer interviews, focus on finding a winner. Ask each lawyer how many cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours. What was the outcome of those cases?

About 782,038 divorces are filed each year. If they don’t have a lot of hands-on experience with casework, look for someone else.

You want to choose a lawyer you feel confident with.

If their track record doesn’t prove their abilities, keep looking.

5. What Outcome Do You Expect for My Case?

Talk to your lawyer about the specifics of your case. Are you married to a narcissist? You might have a difficult divorce in your future.

Your lawyer will review the details surrounding your case and help you determine the best course of action. Your lawyer should have your best interests in mind. If they don’t have a plan of action for your case, keep looking.

Remember, you want someone you can feel confident with. Ask how they plan on proceeding with your case. What outcome do they expect?

Make sure to interview one more than divorce lawyer during your search. Pay attention to how each one responds. Which lawyer is honest with you regarding their abilities?

Choose someone you can trust.

6. What Documents Do You Need From Me?

Before an in-person consultation, ask your prospective divorce lawyer if you need to bring anything to your meeting. They can use these documents to get a better understanding of your case.

First, take the time to review your current financial situation at home. How much debt is your family in? Do you have any investments?

Make a list of all your debts to bring to your divorce lawyer.

Next, take a look at your expenses. How much money does your family spend on a monthly basis?

If you want a fair divorce, you’ll need to get a full understanding of your financial situation. Does your spouse usually handle the finances? Ask for access to your finances long before you mention a divorce.

Otherwise, you might fail to get a full understanding of your assets and debts.

Grab any documents that are relevant to your household income, including:

Pay stubs
Income tax returns
Salary documents

Do you share an online bank account? Gather those documents as well. If you can, grab:

Phone records
Car documents
Mortgage information

You can learn more about how assets are divided in a divorce here.

Review these documents with your lawyer. If you have any other questions to ask your lawyer when filing a divorce, write them down before your meeting.

7. What are Your Fees?

Use these questions for divorce lawyer interviews. Try to speak with at least three lawyers in the area. During the consultation, ask for a copy of their contract, too.

Read over the document and note any other questions you have.

What is their fee structure? Do they work on a contingency fee basis?

If so, the divorce lawyer will only require payment once they win your case.

Your lawyer might work on a retainer instead. Make sure to get a full understanding of their fees. What’s included?

What schedule will you need to follow?

Ask any lingering questions before you sign their contract.

Finding the Right Representation: 7 Questions for Divorce Lawyer Interviews

Don’t hire the first lawyer you come across. Instead, use these seven questions for divorce lawyer interviews. These questions will help you find a lawyer you can depend on.

Thinking about filing for divorce? Need help building your case? We’re here to help.