It is heartbreaking for clients when they are represented by inexperienced divorce lawyers who draft poorly written separation agreements. Even if the client wins the case, the errors made by the divorce lawyer can be costly and cannot always be fixed. 

This was the case for a Vietnam War veteran facing his ex-wife’s attempt to obtain half of his retired military pay. Also, she wanted spousal support in Virginia. Even though they had divorced six years earlier in Hawaii. 

Unfortunately, the ex-wife received poor legal advice from her divorce attorney in the original divorce action in Hawaii. This led to decisions that were binding upon her in Virginia. The judge in the Virginia court ruled in favor of the ex-husband. 

The judge told the ex-wife that instead of suing her ex-husband, she should go after the attorney who represented her. This heartbreaking situation highlights the importance of working with a divorce lawyer. A divorce lawyer who is experienced and can get it right the first time. This is because of the cost of errors, and having to fix them can be very expensive.

So, how does one go about finding a good divorce lawyer? Here are a few suggestions:

ASK A DIVORCE LAWYER 

Finding a divorce lawyer can be a daunting task. This is why it’s essential to seek referrals from persons you know who have a legal background, such as lawyers or paralegals. Ask them for a recommendation from a good divorce lawyer. They will know someone or several professionals specializing in separation, divorce, and related issues.

Finding a lawyer with a significant portion of their practice dedicated to family law is best. Also, Lawyers generally know who is suitable for a particular type of case; they certainly know who they would see if they faced separation and divorce.

YELLOW PAGES | INTERNET

The Yellow Pages or the internet can be a starting source of attorney names. It would be best to look for lawyers who mention divorce and other related fields. Make sure to avoid any ads that include a laundry list of services. It’s best to find a lawyer with expertise and a focus on family law instead of someone who only devotes a small fraction of their practice to these areas.

Don’t forget that not every attorney advertises in the Yellow Pages or has an online presence. When finding the right divorce lawyer, it’s best to research and get referrals from trusted sources. This will ensure that you find a lawyer with the right expertise and experience to handle your case.

Remember the old saying, “a jack of all trades and master of none”? Wouldn’t you rather have someone who takes the time to focus at least a significant amount of time on family law? Rather than someone who maybe devotes 3% of their practice to family law issues? Remember, only some advertise in the Yellow Pages or have a website or internet presence. For example, there are more telephone listings than attorney ads in the Yellow Pages.

VIRGINIA LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

The Virginia State Bar operates the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service. This service provides the names of attorneys actively seeking family law cases. To become listed on the referral service, lawyers must opt-in and agree to a fixed fee for an initial consultation. Names of lawyers on the list are rotated and given to consumers who contact the service. However, it is essential to note that not all attorneys are listed on the referral service.

Suppose you are considering utilizing the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service to find an attorney for a family law case. In that case, it is important to understand that the referral service does not indicate that the attorney is an expert in family law or that they have extensive experience in the field. It simply means that the lawyer is actively seeking family law cases. Therefore, it is vital to take the questions discussed here to the attorney interview when considering whether they fit your case.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Business

TALK TO MORE THAN ONE DIVORCE LAWYER

Interviewing several attorneys is a crucial step in the process of filing for a separation or divorce. Ask each attorney you speak with who in the local area they would recommend for such a case. If they are unwilling to provide names, it is best to leave the office and look elsewhere. Suppose the same names appear on various lists of attorney recommendations. In that case, those attorneys are likely experienced in handling such cases. Ultimately, you want to make sure you choose an attorney who is well-versed in the legal proceedings related to your separation or divorce.

USE A CHECKLIST

Here is an outline of factors that may be considered when selecting a divorce lawyer.

Experience 

The more time you spend honing and refining your skills in a specific field, the more successful you will be in that area. A famous saying goes, “A good lawyer knows the law, but a great lawyer knows the judge.” This proverb implies that knowledge and experience set a great lawyer apart from a good one. So, what is the difference between a good and a great lawyer? Experience.

The greater the experience a lawyer has in a specific field, the more confident and well-prepared they will be in providing legal services. With enough practice, a lawyer can gain invaluable insight into the law, allowing them to make sound decisions and quickly identify legal issues.

This experience can prove invaluable when representing a client in court. A lawyer with more experience will be better equipped to anticipate the judge’s decisions and formulate the best legal argument. 

Experience Trying Cases 

Have they achieved any trial successes for their clients? Can the lawyer point to case results or client testimonials reflecting their abilities?

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Are they willing to settle when appropriate to do so?

As trial attorneys, it is sometimes difficult to avoid the “hired gun” mentality and the thrill of going to trial. They like the charge of trying cases and may not consider other options, such as mediation or arbitration, to achieve a resolution. Most good divorce attorneys do not adopt this approach but see a trial as a last resort when other options have failed to resolve the issues fairly.

Family law is unique in that it often involves ongoing relationships and requires a different perspective than other areas of the law. The parties involved in a divorce or separation must reach an agreement.

Experienced divorce attorneys have the skills and expertise necessary to help couples get an amicable resolution to their disputes. This can help avoid costly and time-consuming litigation and ultimately result in a beneficial solution for both parties.

Divorce lawyer to court about family law unless it is compulsory 

Going to court about family law issues can be a sledgehammer-like approach, with damaging collateral effects on the structure of the house. That’s why it’s usually best to settle family law disputes outside of court whenever possible.

Not only does this allow individuals to be more creative and fair when fashioning a remedy, but it can also save time, money, and stress. Of course, sometimes, an agreement isn’t possible.

In these cases, it’s essential to have an experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney on your side. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success and a solid ability to advocate for your position in court. With the proper legal representation, you can ensure that your rights and interests are protected in family law proceedings.

Respect in the legal community 

What are other lawyers saying about this lawyer? Has the lawyer lectured or taught? Have they trained other lawyers?

Publications 

Have they written anything that has been accepted for publication in legal journals? This is another sign of respect for the lawyer and their skills and experience. Have they written or published anything designed to educate the public about their rights, duties and responsibilities under the law?

Affiliations and memberships.

What professional affiliations does the attorney have? Are they a member of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar Association? A member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers? A fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys?

Does the divorce lawyer limit the number of cases they undertake?

Ensure that they only take some cases that walk through their door. It allows them to focus on doing the best job for their clients. This will be tricky to find out. Trust your instincts on this. Look at the reception of the lawyer to you. Is he trying to get the case by all means? Or is he just trying to understand and determine if he has the time for your case? These are the critical questions.

Relationship issues with the divorce lawyer.

Choosing the right lawyer for your legal needs is a significant decision. It is vital for the lawyer to not only possess the right skills and qualifications but also for there to be a strong relationship between the two of you. It would be best if you worked closely and effectively with your lawyer while also feeling comfortable and trusting them.

Do you feel comfortable with the lawyer you are considering? Are you able to trust and confide in them? Are you confident they have the necessary skills and qualifications to handle your legal needs? These are all critical questions to ask yourself when selecting a lawyer. Your relationship with your lawyer is an essential part of the process. You need to be able to rely on them and trust them to handle your divorce with the utmost care and attention.

It is important to remember that the attorney you choose will be an integral part of your legal team. So, it is essential to select someone with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. Take the time to get to know your potential lawyer. Also, ensure they are the right fit for you and your legal needs.

Ask yourself questions like “Do I feel comfortable with the attorney?.” “Do I trust them?.” Also, ask, “Do they have the necessary qualifications and experience?.” Evaluating the relationship between you and the lawyer you are considering is an essential procedure in selecting the right person for your legal needs.