You’re encountering a situation no one wants to face: the need for a good divorce lawyer. You’re overwhelmed with all of the boxes you must check on your divorce to-do list. But first, how do you find the right lawyer, and what do you even look for as you search?
Each person has their own wants and needs when it comes to a lawyer, because no two divorces are exactly the same. You deserve to find someone who will make this especially complex time a little less stressful. You deserve someone who will represent you well and get you to a good place.
What Qualities Should a Good Divorce Lawyer Have?
To find the right lawyer, determine how important the following qualities are to you.
Expertise
Knowledge and experience working with divorce cases is a factor if you want a highly successful lawyer in your corner. As you research divorce attorneys, keep in mind those who have the expertise to back up their credentials and education. Remember that a family law attorney focuses on a number of areas, not just divorce. Do you want someone who spends a majority of their time on other areas like child custody or restraining orders? Or do you want someone who spends most of their time on divorce cases, like yours?
Accessibility
When going through the divorce process, you might have questions or concerns along the way. When narrowing down your choices for a divorce lawyer, figure out how accessible they will be. Consider these questions:
Will you be able to reach out to them directly with your questions?
Will you only be able to communicate with other staff members, like assistants or paralegals?
How will the lawyer get in touch will you, and how often?
A good divorce lawyer understands the process can be intimidating and confusing and makes themselves accessible to clients. Keep this in mind as you research and narrow down your options for a divorce lawyer.
Perseverance
Every divorce case is unique, and many times they aren’t clear-cut. There can be nuances, road blocks, hurdles, and other challenges that make the process less than ideal. Having a high-quality divorce lawyer by your side, however, puts you in a better position to come out on the other side unscathed.
For example, the negotiation process alone can get complicated. Does the divorce lawyer plan to use correspondence, mediation, voluntary settlement conferences or other methods to attempt resolution? Depending on the answer, what does this mean for the result of your case? How will it affect you? Make sure to ask these questions to better determine how tenacious your divorce lawyer is.
Likeability
The average length of a divorce is about 12 months without children and 18 months with children. You will be communicating with the divorce lawyer you choose for at least this long, so you need to get along with them well. Does your personality clash with the attorney you are considering? You probably won’t want to work with them over the long-term. Make sure whoever you choose, you like and appreciate their personality and work style.
Compassion
You’re going through one of the most challenging times of your life. Most people don’t want a lawyer who is cold, tuned out, and only there to make a paycheck. You need a lawyer with experience who can walk you through the divorce process while also being sensitive to the hardships that the end of a marriage can cause. When pursuing a divorce, it’s perfectly acceptable to look for someone who will not only treat you with respect, but will show compassion for this difficult phase of life.
It’s crucial that you choose a divorce attorney you can trust every step of the way. You’re taking a proactive approach to finding an excellent divorce lawyer, so you’re on the right track. At The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline, we have been practicing family law for over 20 years in Ohio and will stand by your side as you navigate the divorce process.
Columbus Ohio Divorce Lawyer
The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC is honored to work with both traditional and non-traditional families to assist them through extraordinarily difficult times. Please contact us with any questions.