There are many questions you should ask a divorce lawyer when you are deciding whether to hire them. Below is a list of some questions we’d suggest asking and that we are more than happy to answer in our consultations.
- Fees. What does the lawyer charge for the retainer? What is the attorneys’ hourly rate? Does the attorney bill the clients on a regular basis? Before the consultation, make sure you ask the attorney if there is a fee for the consultation.
- Communication. What is the best way to communicate with the attorney? How soon should you expect the attorney to return your email or phone call? Communication is a major key to a successful relationship with your attorney. Make sure the divorce attorney has good practices regarding their communication with their clients. During the consultation, make sure you feel comfortable talking to the attorney and consider whether you’d be comfortable disclosing information that may be awkward to disclose.
- Attorney’s Experience. What practice areas does the attorney regularly practice in? What courts does the attorney regularly practice in? How long has the attorney been practicing family law? You want to make sure you hire an attorney who is not only experienced in family law but is also comfortable practicing in the jurisdiction (in Indiana, that would be the county) where your case will be heard. It’s also important to hire an attorney who practices family law regularly; some attorneys dabble in many areas of the law and, therefore, don’t have as much experience with divorces.