When it comes to divorce, things get very messy. And it’s not just about splitting up assets and dealing with emotions. The entire process requires the utmost legal expertise.
You need a qualified attorney in Arizona who can provide professional legal assistance and emotional support through this challenging period. Read to learn how to find the best divorce lawyer that fits your needs in Arizona.
Ask for Referrals
Ask for referrals from friends and family who have used divorce lawyers. They will tell you about their experiences and whether or not they would recommend that lawyer again.
Look for reviews from other clients on websites like Yelp. These sites allow people to rate attorneys based on their experiences, allowing you to see what others think about them before making your decision.
If possible, you can also ask past clients, as this provides insight into whether the lawyer met their expectations and effectively resolved their issues.
Check If They Have Experience In Family Law
Family law includes divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and alimony. Ensure that they specialize in family law instead of other areas of law, such as criminal defense or personal injury.
Once you have determined that they have experience in family law and specialize in it, ensure they have experience with your specific type of case. For example, if you are getting divorced but have children with someone who does not live with you, this would be considered an “uncontested” divorce. However, if there are disputes regarding property division or alimony, it would be considered a “contested” divorce.
Check If the Lawyer Is of Integrity and Track Record
Research whether the lawyer has gotten disciplined by the State Bar of Arizona. If so, what was their discipline, and what does it mean for your case? You want a lawyer who has Integrity and knows how to protect your interests.
Also, check their track record. Divorce cases can be complicated and require extensive research and preparation before they go to court. Ask how long they have been practicing law and how many cases they have handled like yours. If possible, contact their past clients for references on their performance.
Ask Questions About How They Handle Cases
Before hiring an attorney, ask questions about the following:
- How do they handle cases like yours?
- What does their experience tell them about how this case will proceed?
- How long do they expect it will take until a resolution gets reached?
- How long have they been practicing law?
- What other types of cases do they handle?
- Does the attorney work on a contingency or fixed fee basis?
These questions help you determine whether or not this attorney is right for your needs and what type of relationship you can expect with them throughout your case. If you feel uncomfortable asking these questions, it might be wise to continue your search until you find one that makes you feel more at ease and more confident.
Compare and Contrast the Costs
Costs vary significantly from one attorney to another. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge by the case or retainer fee. You should also consider how much of your case you want them to handle since some lawyers charge flat fees for certain services such as mediation or negotiation, while others offer discounted rates if they handle everything from start to finish. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on legal fees, you must compare each lawyer’s prices to find an affordable option that will still meet your needs.
Ensure the Attorney Has Your Best Interest
Ensure the attorney has your best interest in mind. An attorney should want to help you work through your situation quickly and painlessly so that both parties can move on with their lives. If they seem more interested in making money from your case than helping with it, this may not be the right fit.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel like the attorney isn’t doing their job well, it might be time to move on and find someone else. You need someone to fight hard for your case and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Finding the best divorce lawyer for your particular situation can be very confusing. You will have many questions and need to find someone you can trust. Divorce is a complicated legal ordeal requiring a solid attorney. A good lawyer will have the experience and skill to look at your case comprehensively and advise you on the best way forward.
