No couple enters a marriage thinking they might get separated or divorced, but the world is more complicated, and sometimes marriages end. While everyone would prefer an amicable end to their marriage, that is not always the case either.
More often than not, one or both of the people involved might dispute a thing or two about the distribution of the assets. If the couple cannot agree about how their marital properties should be divided, proceedings might go to court. In such cases, you will need representation—you will need the right divorce lawyer on your side.
You might ask yourself: how do I know that I’ve partnered up with the right lawyer? That is where this guide can come into play. Follow these steps, so you have a better shot at the best outcome possible.
1 – Examine Your Situation
The first step is always to examine your situation. Do you see your divorce proceedings becoming aggressive and drawn-out? Do you feel that a gentler touch is necessary in this regard? Do you have plenty of marital assets and complex finances that need disentangling? Do you prefer to have a hand on the wheel or to let your lawyer take the reins? Whatever the case may be, there is likely a lawyer that specialises in the type of case you might experience.
2 – Do Your Research and Ask for Referrals
Ask your friends and family who have gone through a divorce for their referrals. If they seemed to come out of their divorce proceedings with minimal drama and complication, that might be a good place to start. After all, a trusted loved one’s word is always more reliable than a lawyer’s sales pitch.
Make sure to talk to these loved ones in-depth about their experience. They can tell you about how certain obstacles were sidestepped, how unexpected circumstances were addressed, and so on. After all, there is no such thing as a perfect divorce.
3 – Interview Them
Many lawyers offer a free consultation before you have to pay or sign anything, and you must take this opportunity to gauge whether the lawyer is appropriate for you. Beyond all the cases they’ve won and lost, the fees they charge, and the promises they make, you must determine whether you are comfortable with them or not.
How professionally do they conduct themselves? How do they talk about their clients and other lawyers? Do you feel you can trust this person? If the answer is no, then you might have to move on to the next person on your list.
Final Thoughts
Going through a separation or divorce is not easy, but it can be easier and more beneficial for you and your family if you are properly represented. The right lawyer can increase the chances that you get your fair share of the marital assets, the custody arrangement you want, and more. Whether the dissolution of your marriage is going roughly or smoothly, you nevertheless need a legal professional’s expertise in your arsenal.
If you are going through a separation or divorce, you need to think about a family lawyer. Consider Bickell & Mackenzie. We specialise in Family Law disputes, and we can support you all throughout the process.