Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney at Your First Meeting

So, you have decided to file for divorce. Now you have a lot of hard decisions to make. One of them is who you will hire as a lawyer to take on your case. 

Sure, you could try your hand at a DIY divorce, but for the best results, you want someone in your corner with experience. This is understandably an emotional time for you, so you need a neutral party to handle all the ins and outs of the divorce process. 

But who? You need an experienced lawyer who works well with your budget and personality. 

Choosing a divorce lawyer can be an overwhelming task. There may be dozens of them in your local area. To choose the right attorney who fits the bill, here are some questions you should ask before hiring them. 

How Many Divorce Cases Have You Handled?

Obviously, you want someone with experience. Hiring someone who has never handled a divorce before is asking for trouble. You want someone who knows the ins and outs of the process and can represent you in court if necessary. You do not want to have to be checking their work constantly.

What is Your Case Load?

While it is a good sign if your lawyer is busy (they must be pretty good at what they do), at the same time, you do not want to hire someone so busy that they cannot give your divorce case the attention it deserves. This can affect the outcome, so choose someone who has adequate time to move your divorce along.

What is Your Fee Structure?

Lawyers are expensive, but some charge more than others. In addition, there are different fee structures to consider. Some may charge by the hour, while others may want a retainer fee. There may be hidden costs to consider, as well. Ask about this upfront so you are not surprised when you get the bill.

How Can I Communicate With You?

Divorces can be complicated, and questions or concerns can crop up at any time. How can you relay information to your lawyer or ask them questions? Can you email or text them? Is there a 24-hour line you can call? Find out how you can best get a hold of them and whether or not you will be billed for this communication. 

Do You Know My Spouse or Their Attorney?

The goal of asking this question is not to be nosy but to gauge if there will be a conflict of interest. You do not want to choose a lawyer who is favorable toward your spouse or their lawyer because that could impact your case.

Contact Us Today

Hiring a lawyer is not always easy. You want the right person for the job, so you need to interview them.

When you need experienced legal counsel, Virginia Family Law Center is here to help. We are equipped to handle even the most complex divorce cases. We will make the process easy. Fill out the online form or call (703) 865-5839 to schedule a consultation.