Finding a divorce lawyer is an essential part of managing divorce in a way that stops problems in the future. Here’s what you should know about finding one.
Looking for the right divorce lawyer in Washington State can be a challenge. When dealing with divorce, you may be tempted to complete the paperwork alone, feeling hesitant to pay a lawyer for services you want to tackle yourself.
Unfortunately, divorce comes with many complications. Professional legal help can get you the best outcome for your divorce case, but how do you know who to trust? In the post below, we discuss how to find the right lawyer, how to best utilize their resources, and why a divorce lawyer is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.
Your divorce attorney is here to provide you with legal advice and help with paperwork. Lawyers do not offer counseling, make personal suggestions, or decide matters for you. Understanding what a divorce lawyer will and won’t do for you during the process is essential to getting the best performance.
Good divorce lawyers do not always perform other family law services, such as dealing with child custody arrangements or child support arrangements. Your divorce lawyer can probably do these, but if you need such services, be sure to limit your search to attorneys who provide all the services you need.
2. The importance of research
Divorce proceedings involve a lot of specific legal terms and language, and if you aren’t familiar with them, you could end up agreeing to something you don’t want to agree to. As a law firm Kennewick residents rely on, we can help you understand terms and even provide resources to help you in your research.
3. Bring your paperwork
If you have been served with papers, or if you have started the process and need help continuing, make sure to bring all of your documents with you. What may take you the entire consultation to articulate may be understood by a good professional attorney in minutes by looking at the paperwork that’s already part of the case, or that you have begun working on yourself.
4. Make sure you have a good fit with the lawyer
Other factors aside, personality is important. Sometimes people end up getting along much better than they ever expected, while at other times, two people just don’t click. It doesn’t matter how experienced the divorce lawyer Kennewick residents are considering is if you can’t work together.
5. Assets: Define these before meeting your lawyer
One of the most important parts of divorce proceedings is splitting the assets of your family. Make sure you define what these assets are before you meet your lawyer. This term usually refers to all things of value (property, bank accounts, and so on) that are not already split or given to someone as part of an existing contract.
Important Questions You Can Ask
Here are some important questions to ask when you’re trying to find a divorce lawyer.
Does your attorney specialize in family law?
Family law is a broad category of services that include things like divorce consultation services, child support, adoption, and various other matters. Attorneys who specialize in family law often have more experience with divorce proceedings, so they are often a better match for your needs.
How experienced is your attorney?
When deciding how to find a divorce lawyer, their experience is crucial. Some attorneys practice family law but rarely assist with divorces. Searching for “divorce lawyers near me” is useful for finding candidates, but narrowing them down by experience is key to finding the best divorce lawyers in your area.
Good lawyers often charge more but have the experience to justify the cost. This is particularly true for deeply contentious cases, where you may want the most experienced attorney you can get.
What can be the probable outcomes of the process?
This is one of the most important questions to ask when asking things like, “Should I get a lawyer for my divorce?”. If the attorney will have little or no impact because the case is exceptionally straightforward, then honestly, you don’t need us. We’d love to be hired anyway, but a good lawyer is always honest about how much they can do for you.
Experienced lawyers can evaluate the information you provide, then give you a realistic assessment of how the case is likely to proceed. There’s no way to guarantee things, especially because new information can change everything, but knowing the likely outcomes can help you make a final decision.
Is your attorney acquainted with your spouse’s lawyer?
Television and movies like to portray attorneys as aggressive rivals, but the truth is that most lawyers get along fairly well. If your attorney knows your spouse’s lawyer, they may have a better sense of what to expect from them during the process.
What should you know about rights and responsibilities?
As both a client and someone’s spouse, you have various rights and responsibilities during the divorce process. A capable attorney will explain what you should know about both the attorney-client relationship and your status under the law during divorce proceedings.
How long will the process take?
Doing an internet search for “divorce attorney near me” or “divorce lawyer near me” is the fast part. In general, the more contentious the divorce, the longer it’s likely to take. Some people can split in as little as a few days, but more realistically, it could take almost a year. Some attorneys may be able to speed up this process, so getting a good sense of their expected timetable can help you decide who to hire.
What role does communication play in choosing a divorce lawyer in Washington?
Communication is a crucial tool during the divorce process. You need a lawyer who is an active listener, explains legal concepts clearly, is attentive to your concerns, and keeps you updated as your case develops.
Should I prioritize a lawyer with a strong courtroom presence?
Divorces can end up in the courtroom, but most divorces are settled through negotiation and mediation. You need a lawyer who excels in negotiation and litigation skills, and who can adapt to any situation as it suits your case.
Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for a Divorce Lawyer in Washington
Waiting Too Long to Find a Divorce Attorney
You need to begin your search for a good divorce lawyer as soon as possible. The divorce process is complex, and can quickly spiral out of your comfort zone. Having legal representation to guide you ensures your rights are protected from the start, and early engagement ensures you are prepared.
Your divorce attorney will gather the necessary documents, strategize your case, file paperwork, and guide you through the process. Wait too long, and you may have to settle for someone that’s less ideal for your situation.
Conducting Inadequate Research
Looking for the right divorce lawyer requires research beyond a Google query. Consider legal directories, reviews, and referrals. Your research needs to explicitly assess any potential attorney’s legal record, and family law specifications, and ensure they’ve been successful with cases similar to yours.
A thorough approach ensures you retain a comprehensive understanding of the attorney’s capabilities, how they align with your needs, and if they can properly support you throughout your divorce case.
Not Verifying Qualifications and Experience
Anyone can make false claims or promote thin qualifications and experience. You need to confirm these qualifications beyond a reasonable doubt.
Look into your potential divorce attorney’s education, awards, licensing, reviews, and years of practice in family law. Look into cases similar to yours and if they’ve handled those cases satisfactorily. There should be insights on how well they will be able to handle your situation.
This information should be online for all to see, starting on your attorney’s website. Claims should be easy to verify with the American Bar Association and their school of graduation. By confirming these qualifications, you can have peace of mind that you’ve found a good attorney who can help navigate your complex situation.
Not Being Aware of the Costs
Divorce proceedings can incur high financial costs, and while you can get an estimate of these costs, not all divorces are financially equal. You should explore the cost-effective options, such as uncontested divorce settled in mediation. Formal court trials can be expensive, and your lawyer will guide your decision based on your desired outcome, budget, and the nature of your and your spouse’s separation.
Be upfront with your attorney when you are discussing billing practices, retainers, fees, and any other costs that might arise.
Showing Up to the Initial Consultation Unprepared
Your first meeting with a divorce attorney is free, and this is your most valuable opportunity to collect as much information as possible and assess if they are the right fit for you. You should arrive with a full list of questions for your potential attorney, such as:
How long have you been practicing Family Law in Washington State?
What awards or credentials do you have?
Do you have more experience handling contested or uncontested divorces?
Do you have experience with custody issues?
How are your fees structured, and what are your estimated costs?
How will your case updates be communicated?
What are my obligations during the divorce?
You should also bring relevant documents to your initial consultation, including:
Insurance policies, and a list of assets and debts
Prenuptial agreements
Can I Fire My Divorce Attorney?
Yes, you can fire your divorce attorney—at any time and for any reason. Your lawyer works for you, and if you’re not satisfied with their handling of your case, you can fire them. Your lawyer should be supporting you as much as possible, including promptly returning emails, sending you copies of important documents, handling letters, and keeping you constantly informed. If they are not supporting you in this manner, you can let the lawyer go through email or letter.
Make Your Choice
People ask a lot of questions like “How do I find a good divorce lawyer in town?” but as you can see, it’s actually quite easy. All you really need to do is talk to gather your information, talk to your friends, do a search, then interview your candidates. Once you’ve talked to each of them, think it over for as long as you need, then make your final decision.
After a will is probated, the estate is closed and the executor carries through all their duties. Assets are distributed, and the final accounting of the deceased is provided for all heirs and beneficiaries. Debts, expenses, and taxes are paid out of the estate.
Jarrod Hays is the founder of Skyview Law. He is licensed to practice law in Washington State and the Western District of Washington State Federal Court.
