Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

You may get recommendations from family and or friends but remember one size doesn’t fit all when you are choosing a lawyer. Perhaps you will need a lawyer with expertise in children issues or someone who understands the cultural or religious sensitivities pertaining to your divorce. Here are some useful pointers to consider before making the right decision.

• Do make sure you talk or meet with three family law specialists before making your decision who to appoint. Whilst you can do some initial research by looking at the law firm’s website, you will get a far better feel by talking on the phone or meeting face to face for half an hour. Most lawyers are happy to give a free consultation.
• Realise time is a valuable investment at this stage. I have known of too many cases where a person has panicked, made a knee-jerk reaction and appointed the first lawyer they spoke to and then had to change to a new lawyer half way through the legal process because they were not happy or did not feel their first choice had the necessary expertise.
• Do make sure the lawyer you choose has the necessary expertise and understanding for your case. When you meet don’t be afraid to ask what other relevant experience they have. Even if you are not planning on going to Court (sometimes this route is unavoidable, despite all good intentions to avoid), it would be useful for you to know their track/success record at Final Hearings.
• Be aware that the lawyer you meet may not be the person who deals with your day to day affairs during the divorce proceedings – you should also ask to meet with their associate at that meeting too.
• Don’t be impressed by the hype you may have read in media about a high-profile lawyer or their celebrity client-base. If the lawyer seems too attached to the status of being a ‘famous/celebrity divorce lawyer’ and you are not the in the ‘celebrity gang’ chances are you may not get the attention or time you deserve for your case. It doesn’t necessarily mean the lawyer will have the right experience for your needs.
• Make sure you feel at ease with them and they listen to you and how you want to approach matters. Beware of any lawyer that talks ‘big’ and promises you ‘a large settlement’ at the onset – there are never any outright guarantees with divorce. At the start of the process your lawyer can give you a guide of what the worst-case and best-case scenario could be based on the facts they have to hand at that stage
• And trust your gut instinct – It is important you trust your lawyer and feel you can talk freely and easily to them throughout the process.

Contact our divorce and family lawyers today for expert advice

If you would like to discuss any aspect of family law, are considering divorce proceedings or a trial separation, or want to draw up a pre or post-nuptial agreement, call our experienced divorce experts today in absolute confidence on 03456 381381. Alternatively, email us at familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.