Divorcing Your Husband: Finding a Lawyer That's Right For You

Divorce can be a scary time for anyone, but perhaps more so for many women, who may feel financially unstable and uncertain as a result. Any lawyer can tell you that seeing instability in their clients is far from uncommon when it comes to either gender, but it is perhaps more pronounced when working with women. This is not due to inherent gender realities, of course, but rather to our financial culture. While essential, the world doesn't place a high monetary premium on a housewife and mother. Knowing she will be secure following a split is an important consideration. If you're preparing to go through a divorce, here are some of the considerations when choosing a good attorney.

The Attorney's Mindset

This is an important consideration that far too many people disregard. Don't forget that choosing a lawyer is just what it sounds like -- a choice. Just because you set up a consultation doesn't mean you have to hire any particular attorney. Here are some of the things you should look at. Does the attorney seem to have ulterior motives for taking the case? For instance, are they fighting for some general concept of women's rights or working off a gender agenda? You need someone focused on the details of your case and nothing more. Look for any ethical issues. If the attorney is bringing up strategies you consider iffy during the consultation, it's only going to get worse once you hire them.

Gender Bias

Any women going forward with a divorce proceeding should be aware of the realities when it comes to gender bias and the court system. There are two ways to look at this. One, it is beyond indisputable that men tend to do poorly when it comes to child custody issues. Judges almost always tend to prefer that the children go with the mother unless there are some significant extenuating circumstances. However, that doesn't tell the whole story. Perhaps there are no children involved in your case. Then your concerns lie in property rights and asset division. This is where you have to watch for any judges that may side more closely with the "breadwinner" and be cautious of judgments that tend to result from places other than the facts. Make sure your lawyer is on the same page.

Protecting Your Safety

If you're going through a generally amicable divorce, this may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, many women aren't so fortunate. If you fear for you or your children's safety for any reason, it is important that your lawyer take it seriously and do things that can protect you. If you ever feel as though your issues are being brushed aside, you should find someone new.