Filing for and pursing a divorce--or responding to a divorce filed against you--places you in the midst of an emotionally and legally challenging legal process. Your rights and interests likely are best served through hiring an experienced, well-regarded divorce attorney. A strategy exists through which you can locate and retain the best possible lawyer to represent you in your divorce case, according to "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide" by Brette McWhorter Sember.
Step 1
Access the attorney-finder resources maintained by the American Bar Association. These include contact information for state and local bar associations serving people where you reside.
Step 2
Develop a list of attorneys in your area, lawyers listed as practicing law in the directories maintained by state and local bar associations. Include approximately five lawyers on your list.
Step 3
Request references from the specific lawyers you included on your personal list of prospective attorneys.
Step 4
Contact references provided and inquire as to their level of satisfaction regarding each individual lawyer.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with the attorneys on your list, after collecting information from references.
Step 6
Meet with each attorney, raising questions in the process about their history in representing people in cases like your own.
Step 7
Weigh and balance reference information, interview experience and all other information obtained about the attorneys on your list.
Step 8
Select an attorney that you feel is most capable and suitable to your needs.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask friends and family members who previously divorced about the attorneys they retained. Oftentimes, this type of first-hand information is invaluable in selecting the best possible attorney to represent you in your divorce proceedings.
- Keep in mind that the prior performance and successes of a lawyer are not guarantees that she will perform in the same manner in your case.
Things You'll Need
- List of prospective attorneys
References
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
- "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide"; Brette McWhorter Sember; 2009
- "Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce"; Emily Doskow; 2008
