If you’ve decided to end your marriage, it’s wise to seek legal counsel before beginning the proceedings. By hiring a divorce lawyer prior to filing, you can avoid making critical mistakes from the start that could jeopardize the case down the road. Chances are you’ve never needed a family law attorney, and don't necessarily know how to tell the difference between a good one and a great one. Here are just a few tips for finding the best lawyer to represent you.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer

1. Look for Relevant Experience 

Since family law is such a broad practice area, make sure a firm has experience with divorce as well as in domestic relations. Find a layer who has handled similar cases in the past and can help you specific to your particular needs, like obtaining sole custody of a child.

2. Meet With Top Contenders in Person 

Ending a marriage is inherently personal, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with whoever will help you navigate the proceedings. Although you can scour online ratings and read dozens of testimonials, the only way to gauge what a divorce lawyer is truly like is to meet in person. Before hiring your top choice, schedule an initial consultation to make sure it will be a good fit. Meeting attorneys in person can also help you decide between multiple contenders.

3. Ask Those You Know for Referrals 

Word of mouth is invaluable when it comes to finding a quality attorney who provides unparalleled legal counsel. You may not want to discuss your personal life with coworkers or acquaintances, but chances are you have at least one or two friends or relatives in the area who are divorced. Ask who they turned to for representation and whether they had a good experience. 

If you want to file for divorce in Connecticut, turn to The Law Office and Mediation Center of Jeannine M. Talbot in Torrington, CT. Attorney Jeannine is a seasoned divorce lawyer who has been helping clients navigate complicated family law proceedings for more than two decades. Her areas of expertise include alimony, child custody, and domestic violence. To reach out and start building your case, visit her website, or call (860) 482-9004.