When dealing with divorce proceedings, few aspects are as important as taking time to find the right lawyer. An experienced divorce attorney knowledgeable in state procedures helps navigate the often complex financial aspects of a marital split, including the division of assets and retirement benefits, as well as custody agreements. Here are four questions you should ask divorce attorneys before selecting the ideal professional for your case.

4 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney

1. How Much Experience Do You Have in Family Law?

Learn if the attorney specializes in divorce and family law. Ask how many cases the professional has handled, including the number that were settled out of court. Also determine if the lawyer’s experience is specific to your case, such as custody agreements if you have children or military divorces if you or your spouse served. If any other lawyers on your attorney’s team will work on your case, ask about their experience as well.

2. What’s Your Fee Structure?

Get detailed information regarding the divorce attorney’s retainer so you know what to expect. Ask how much the lawyer and staff charges per hour and what they consider billable work, such as phone call consultations. Attorneys who charge hourly rates are generally preferable to those charging flat fees because they tend to rush cases. Ask about any additional costs you can expect, such as fees for psychological evaluations or DNA tests.

3. How Long Will It Take to Finalize My Case?

Discuss the projected length of your case based on factors such as alimony, joint ownership and property division, children, and business valuation. Estimate the cost as well, keeping in mind that the length and expense of divorce proceedings are largely based on the amount of dissension between you and your spouse. Ask what you can do to move the case forward, such as filing the papers quickly and hiring a mediator if you and your spouse have an acrimonious relationship.

4. Are You Familiar With Local Family Court Judges?

Determine the divorce attorney’s familiarity with the local family court, including whether he or she has worked with your case’s potential judge before. Lawyers who have previously worked with family court judges in your area and know how they usually rule on cases like yours can often predict how the divorce case will proceed.  

The divorce lawyers at Traystman & Coric LLC provide clients throughout New London, CT with dedicated legal counsel from start to finish. The firm’s legacy dates back to 1970, and you can always expect to reach a live person, whether you’re reaching them by phone or online. Call (860) 442-8758 today to schedule your first consultation with a divorce attorney or visit the firm online for a complete list of practice areas.