5 Questions you should ask an attorney before hiring them

1.         How many cases have you handled? How long have you been practicing law? Although these are two separate questions, they often go hand and hand. The experience of your potential attorney cannot be understated. Yes, every divorce is unique, but the more experience your attorney has, the more likely they have already handled a case with similarities, leaving a lot less potential for surprises or mistakes.

2.         What would your strategy be if you were to represent me? Divorce is adversarial by nature.  Do you want an attorney who is aggressive and adamantly sticks to your goals or would you prefer someone more apt to compromise in an effort to streamline the process? It is very rare for anyone to have everything they want ruled in their favor, so it is imperative not only that your attorney understands your priorities, but also shares them. 

3.         Are you familiar with any of the stake holders in my case? The legal and other professional communities often cross paths not only through legal matters but also through professional clubs and organizations. Ask your attorney if they are familiar your spouse, your spouse’s lawyer or the judges who preside over the court where your matter will be held.  Understanding these relationships is important before you decide on an attorney.

4.         How does your office handle communications? How you will communicate and pass all required information to your attorney is very important. If clear expectations aren’t set from the start you can find yourself feeling frustrated and trapped. Be sure to know the best way to schedule a phone call or appointment, what is the expected wait for return calls, and the preferred method for submitting required documents. Ask if your attorney communicates on social media, and if they return emails or phone calls on the weekend.

5.         How much will this cost and how am I going to be billed? It is easy to shy away from financial discussions, but your comfort level with this undertaking should be paramount!  Be sure to know the initial retainer fee, requirements for replenishing said retainer, and the billing rate of the attorney you are interviewing. Also, be sure to ask how you will be billed for work completed by other staff members. It is impossible for any attorney to give you an exact quote for your upcoming divorce, as there are too many variables to be accurate.