Divorce Advice 101 - Questions To Ask A Divorce Lawyer 

Divorce Advice 101 - The Interview Preparation

Prior to meeting with any potential divorce lawyer, you’ll need to get ready for the interview by preparing a list of questions and concerns you have for the prospective attorneys.

Divorce Advice 101 – Your Expectations

With your list also include your expectations in terms of property and asset distribution and other issues such as child custody, child support, visitation and alimony/maintenance.

Divorce Advice 101 – Critical Issues

Sometimes, divorce cases can get complex, to include but not limited to these issues: adultery, abuse, domestic violence, paternity fraud, financial abuse, false abuse charges, criminal activity, fraudulently obtained restraining orders, false accusations, terroristic threats, one spouse is incarcerated, and/or parental alienation.

If your case involves any of these issues and possibly others not named, inform the attorney during the interview process! This helps them to have a clearer idea of what they are dealing with. 

Divorce Advice 101 – Questions To Ask a Divorce Lawyer

1. Will I be charged for the initial consultation?
2. Will you be handling my case directly or will you pass it down to a junior associate?
3. Do you require your clients to pay a retainer?
4. If not, when payments are expected and how can payments can be made?
5. What is your hourly rate?
6. What is classified as billable hours?
7. Will you return my phone calls?
8. Will I be charged for each phone call?
9. How will communication between us be handled, (i.e., phone calls, e-mails, IM, online, snail mail)?
10. How many years of experience do you have as a divorce lawyer?
11. Do you specialize in, or primarily handle, divorce, child custody, and related family law matters?
12. In the event that our divorce goes to trial, do you have sufficient divorce court trial experience?
13. Will I be copied in on all correspondence, including legal documentation and letters?
14. Will you provide me with a fee agreement prior to signing an agreement? 

Divorce Advice 101 – Questions To Ask Yourself After The Interview

After the interview, you need to ask yourself these critical questions:

1. Did you check out the lawyer's records with the local state bar association?
2. Are they in good standing with the bar?
3. Have they handled divorce cases similar to yours?
4. Did the attorney ask appropriate, intelligent questions about your case?
5. Does this divorce lawyer sound competent?
6. Were all of your questions answered fully and adequately, or do you feel that you were getting the brush-off?
7. Do you feel comfortable with this divorce lawyer?
8. Did the divorce lawyer attempt to pressure you into making a decision on the spot?
9. Do you feel this divorce attorney will treat you like a number? Or, handle you with professional concern?
10. Are their attorney’s fees fully disclosed and acceptable to you?
11. Did you read the fee agreement thoroughly?
12. Is this divorce lawyer within your budget?