How to Find the Best Divorce Attorney

It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. While those seeking a divorce are not alone, divorce can be time-consuming and emotionally and financially stressful. A good attorney is essential to relieve some of the burden and ensure a good outcome.

We have some tips to help you find the best divorce attorney for your situation.

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

Generally speaking, a divorce attorney has the responsibility to protect the rights of their clients during divorce proceedings. These professional attorneys do more than just fight in court on behalf of disgruntled couples. They can also provide legal advice, prepare legal documents, and help clients navigate the complex legal process, even for a "simple" divorce.

Typical tasks performed by a divorce attorney include:

Provide legal advice for your situation and help determine priorities

Every divorce is different. A good divorce attorney will listen to your situation, review the relevant documents, and advise you on the best path to achieve your goals and prepare you for the future. Your attorney can help you understand the laws in your area and fill out the relevant legal documents correctly.

Support for the Division of Marital Assets

One of the biggest challenges in dissolving a marriage is dividing marital assets—bank accounts, real estate, and even furniture. Your legal advisor can help you resolve ownership issues. It can also help you prioritize which assets will be most beneficial to you after the divorce and which assets you should compromise on.

Resolving Custody and Living Arrangements

When children are involved in a divorce, their well-being and living arrangements can become a significant issue. The best divorce attorneys can help you resolve sensitive issues of custody arrangements, such as: B. where the children go to school, where they live, how much child support to pay, and more. If the parents are having trouble coming to an agreement, a divorce attorney can also recommend a child attorney or co-parenting consultant who will act in the best interest of the children and help resolve the dispute.

Maintenance Disputes

Sometimes, one party to a divorce may request alimony, which is a legal obligation that requires one party to provide financial support to the other during and/or after the divorce. This usually arises when one parent takes over primary care of a child. Determining the appropriate amount of alimony that can be requested or paid is an important task for a good divorce attorney.

How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost?

The average hourly rate for a divorce attorney in the United States is $270, and the average total cost of a divorce is $11,300. However, the cost of a divorce depends on how long the divorce takes and the complexity of the case. For example, in a case where there are no contested issues (issues that the couple cannot agree on and need to be resolved by the judge), the average cost is $4,100. Even if only one contested issue is resolved in court, the cost increases to $10,400.

Most divorce law firms charge a fee that you pay before the divorce process begins. This fee is then placed in a trust fund and used to pay the attorney's hourly rate. The average cost is $3,500, but it can range from $2,000 to $5,000.

It is important to note that if you divorce without the help of an attorney, you will still have to pay attorney fees. However, these fees will be lower than if you hired an attorney. The average cost of a divorce without an attorney is $295, which includes the divorce fee and the cost of filling out the forms.

Do I need an attorney for a divorce?

Some people consider getting a divorce without an attorney because of the cost. Most states do not require an attorney, so this is possible. However, divorce is complicated, and you may not be able to reach a fair agreement if you represent yourself, especially if your spouse has an attorney.

In some cases, you can successfully move forward without the help of an attorney, such as if you have experience interpreting legislation, or whether you and your ex-spouse will be able to reach an agreement without legal assistance. However, there are some situations where an attorney is essential:

• If there is a history of abuse
• When there is a major dispute
• When there is a serious imbalance of power
• If your spouse has hired an attorney

Even in the simplest of amicable divorces, it is always advisable to at least consult with an attorney and have them read your divorce agreement before signing it.

What You Should Consider When Looking for a Good Divorce Attorney

Not all attorneys approach divorce in the same way. Some may try to resolve all issues through mediation before a court hearing. Others may be experienced in litigation and excel in tough divorce cases. You want an attorney who can build a good relationship with you and who can help you navigate your unique situation. If you are looking for the best divorce attorney for your situation, here are some tips.

Determine Your Budget

Determine how much you can spend on an attorney. Hiring legal counsel you can't afford won't benefit you in the long run. If cost is an issue, you can still get the legal help you need by:

• Contact your local legal aid office.
• Check with local law firms to see if they offer pro bono advice. (Most law firms are also required to provide a certain number of pro bono (free legal advice) hours each year.)
• Contact your local court and ask what resources are available.

Check with top organizations

Top law firms often have a wide variety of attorneys to meet the needs of different clients. Others specialize in certain areas, such as: Divorce. Calling and asking about law firms in your area will help you choose the best attorney for your situation.

Then ask trusted friends and family who have gone through divorce to recommend some good attorneys (or attorneys you should avoid). It can also be useful to read online reviews, which can help you identify positive and negative patterns and find the best divorce attorneys in your area.

Identify and Interview Potential Attorneys

Once you've done your research and settled on a few names, interview your potential attorneys in person or over the phone. Some attorneys even offer "free consultations." Ask important questions during the interview, such as what their requirements are, how they prefer to approach divorce settlements, and what experience they have in areas that may come up in your divorce. During the interview, pay attention to whether you feel listened to and respected, and whether the attorney explains things in a way that's easy for you to understand. Finding an attorney who works well with you can make a big difference in the outcome of your divorce.