Divorce – How To Find The Right Attorney 101

Finding the right attorney can be a daunting task when you do not have a guide.  Fortunately for you, you have just founnd a guide.  The list below contains the basics for finding the right attorney.  You can call this guide ‘How To Find The Right Attorney 101’:

#1 – Where do I go find a good attorney?  Probably the quickest, easiest way to find an attorney is by logging on to Google and conducting a search for attorneys in your community.  If you are not internet savvy or are otherwise uncomfortable using an online search engine, the next most convenient option available to you is the yellow pages. 

Other attorney sources include calling your local lawyer association or law school.  Both lawyer associations and law schools have referral programs.  They will get you connected with a local attorney for little or no charge. 

Lastly, and probably your best option, you can contact one of your colleagues, family members, or friends and ask them for a referral.  Often times, these are the people who will be one-hundred percent honest with you when voicing their opinions about attorneys who they have used in the past.

#2  - What qualities do I look for in an attorney?  Here is a list of ten outstanding qualities that your attorney should display:

a.      Always on time

b.      Approachable

c.       Eager to help

d.      Good listener

e.      Easy to contact

f.        Articulates a plan for getting your legal issue resolved

g.      Open minded

h.      Reasonably priced

i.        Professional in appearance

j.        Shows genuine interest in your case

#3 – What questions should I ask during the initial interview?  Here is a list of ten questions that you should ask during the initial interview:

a.      In what area of law is your expertise?

b.      How long have you been practicing law?

c.       How much do you charge and what are your billing practices?

d.      What are your credentials and other qualifications?

e.      How many open cases do you currently have?

f.        How many cases have you handled in the past?

g.      What are the processes at the court house for my type of case?

h.      What is your opinion of my case?

i.        What is your opinion of my expectations for the case?  Are my expectations reasonable?

j.        How long do you think my case will last?

#4 – What sorts of things do I consider when making the final decision about whether to hire an attorney?  Here is a list of five things for you to consider:

a.      The talents and skills of the attorney

b.      The expertise of the attorney

c.       Your level of comfort and compatibility with the attorney

d.      The availability of the attorney

e.      The total cost to you for the attorney’s services