How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer

By GalTime .com. Posted on Dec 5th 2012.

Getting the RIGHT lawyer can ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

A lawyer’s website will usually have information concerning his or her qualifications and accomplishments, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.

More from YourTango: The One Thing He Can't Do For You

Some lawyers restrict their divorce practices to representing only men or only women. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, but I doubt that it gives such lawyers any additional insights or expertise. If a woman feels more comfortable with a female lawyer, fine; as I said, it’s vital that the lawyer and the client are compatible in a personal sense. But there’s no reason that a woman needsa female lawyer, or a man needs a male lawyer.

DON'T LET FEES FOOL YOU

Legal fees are a big issue in most divorce cases. If at all possible, you shouldn’t automatically choose a lawyer based on his or her fees. A higher fee does not guarantee that the lawyer is worth it, but on the other hand a low fee is not necessarily a bargain. You don’t want to overpay, but you want the case handled properly.

More from YourTango: How To Get Financially Stable After Divorce

Because people often file for divorce when things have reached a crisis stage in their marriage, it’s understandable that the decision to hire a lawyer can be made hastily. But it’s worth taking a few days or a few weeks to get recommendations, check out websites and credentials, meet with prospective candidates, and find the person who’s going to be there for you when you need someone on your side. And, like it or not, you’ll never need someone on your side more than you will in a divorce.

More from GalTime.com:

Want more expert advice?

Article contributed by

View profile

Advanced Member

GalTime .com

Author

Galtime.com. Everyone needs a little galtime!

Location: Somerset, MA

Credentials: Other

Specialties: Couples/Marital Issues, Empowering Women, Parenting

Website: http://www.galtime.com

The One Thing He Can't Do For You

By GalTime .com

By Marcus Osborne for GalTime.com If there’s one thing that I’m constantly reminding people of when they tap me on the shoulder seeking advice about their either their particular situation or some general question, it’s this: people asking for advice have usually already made up their minds about their issue. So why are they asking for ... Read more

How To Get Financially Stable After Divorce

By GalTime .com

By Jeff Landers for GalTime.com As a divorcing woman, you are no doubt looking forward to having the whole divorce process over with, so you can move ahead to your new life. If you’re like most women, you probably think the past few months (or years!) have been filled with enough emotional upheaval, not to mention legal and financial hassle, for a ... Read more

Relax: It's Okay If You Don't Obsess Over Your Baby's Milestones

By GalTime .com

With my first daughter, I carefully preserved every memory, writing down detailed letters to her every week and updating her baby book with each milestone from her first tooth to her first haircut. As a parent, I was certain I would treasure each and every memory forever. Fast forward four years and after having two more children, I'm having trouble ... Read more