Going through a divorce can be nerve-wracking. Things become even more difficult when children are involved. The stress triggered by this life event may cause mental and physical symptoms, from anxiety to impaired immune function.
One way to get peace of mind and feel more at ease is to have an experienced attorney by your side. The question is, how to find a divorce lawyer you can trust?
The divorce rate in England and Wales is 7.5 per 1,000 people. You probably have a friend, colleague, or family member who went through these struggles at some point, so go ahead and ask for references. Make sure you know what to look for in an attorney and how to choose one who meets your needs.
Not sure what to do first? Use this simple guide as a starting point. Here’s what you should know about finding the best divorce lawyers for your case.
Assess Your Legal Needs
First things first, try to determine what kind of legal service you need.
It’s one thing to split up with a partner with whom you’ve had a short marriage and no children or properties, and another thing to deal with business assets or real estate.
If, say, you were running a company with your spouse, consider hiring a big law firm that knows how to handle such cases.
Another aspect to consider is what type of divorce you prefer. In the UK, couples can divorce for five legal reasons, such as desertion, unreasonable behavior, or adultery.
Several other legal requirements must be met for a divorce to take place. An experienced law firm, like WayManAndLong, can guide you in the right direction.
Know What to Expect
Make sure you know what to expect from a divorce lawyer. His job is to help you and your spouse resolve custody issues and divide your assets. He is not a life coach or therapist and cannot tell you what to do after closing this chapter.
Be honest with yourself and your attorney. Discuss your concerns openly, whether you’re worried about money, property, or child custody. A good lawyer will listen to what you have to say and act in your best interest.
Don’t hesitate to contact several attorneys. Tell them briefly about your case and see what they reply.
How to Find a Divorce Lawyer in Your Area
Finding the best divorce lawyers can be a challenge in itself. The references you get may or may not be relevant in your case. But you can also do some research on the Internet.
Google “divorce attorney near me” and see what comes up. Check out their websites and social media pages. Read customer reviews and testimonials to get a better picture of what to expect.
Once you have a list of divorce lawyers, look up their names online.
Try to find out more about their experience, professional background, credentials, and success rate. Send a brief email to present your case and inquire about their fees.
Get the Best Legal Representation
When you’re going through a divorce, your attorney will be your confidant, negotiator, and advisor. Take the time to do your research and get the best legal representation.
Now that you know how to find a divorce lawyer, assess your legal needs and expectations. Draft a list of questions for the attorneys you’ll reach out to. Begin with the end in mind and focus on the ideal outcome.
In the meantime, browse our Relationships section for other tips! We’ll show you what to when someone hurts you, how to tell if your relationship is in trouble, and more!
