When you hire a Scheidungsanwalt the lawyer will handle most of the details of your case. However, you will be expected to provide important information and documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns and net worth statements.
Ideally, you want to find an attorney who can give your case their undivided attention. But what should you look for in a good divorce lawyer?
Qualifications
Divorce attorneys, or family law lawyers, specialize in legal filings, divorce settlement and aspects of child custody laws. They typically work at law firms and are accompanied by paralegals or legal assistants who support their clients during divorce proceedings.
They must be licensed to practice in the state where they live and have a law degree. To gain a law degree, they must take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
The best divorce attorneys possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. They are people-oriented and are able to remain levelheaded during tense, heated situations. They also must be able to process large amounts of information and data quickly, so they can develop a strong legal strategy.
The best divorce attorneys are able to work with each client individually, listening to their story and understanding their goals. They can then recommend the right course of action. For instance, a person who wants to avoid court will need a different approach than someone who has children and significant assets.
Experience
A divorce can be a highly emotional process. A good attorney can be an objective third party in the process, helping their clients stay level headed and work toward a fair resolution. Divorce attorneys can also handle a large amount of paperwork for their clients, including filing documents with the court and providing information to other parties involved in the case.
When looking for a divorce lawyer, consider how much experience they have. It is important to find an attorney who has handled similar cases to yours, especially if you are dealing with a complicated issue like child custody, large financial settlements, or property division.
When choosing an attorney, ask if they have extensive experience in handling divorce cases and how many divorces they typically handle each year. Ideally, you want an attorney with a reasonable case load so that they can give your case their undivided attention. It is also helpful if they can communicate with you via phone or email on an as needed basis, even if it is not during a scheduled consultation.
Reputation
Whether you are in the midst of divorce proceedings or considering getting one, it is essential to choose an attorney that has a solid reputation. Having a reputable New York divorce lawyer can help you settle legal issues, negotiate with opposing counsel and provide an empathetic ear when emotions are running high.
It is likely that your friends and family will have recommendations for attorneys, but if you are not sure where to start, try a quick search online. Use the search query “divorce law firm,” and narrow your results to those who specialize in that area of the field.
It is also important to consider the style and temperament of a potential attorney. Those who have a personality that is too aggressive or pushy during the process can make the entire experience more stressful and emotional for couples. On the other hand, those who encourage compromise tend to move through their cases more quickly and with less acrimony.
Fees
Many people are unable to afford full attorney representation in divorce cases. Those who are willing to work with a lawyer that offers what is called limited scope representation, or LAR, save on legal fees by hiring the attorney for specific tasks rather than handling the entire case.
Some attorneys charge hourly rates while others offer flat rate fees. It is important to understand what you will pay for a divorce lawyer’s services so you can choose the right one.
Often, divorce attorneys will charge you for various court costs in addition to their fee. These fees may include photocopying charges, courier service, postage and service of process charges. You will also have to pay for any expert witnesses or custody evaluators. Typically, the court will want to encourage settlement in divorce cases to avoid prolonged and expensive litigation. As a result, judges usually award the lower-earning spouse some or all of their higher-earning spouse’s counsel fees in order to level the playing field.
