In step one of the divorce process we discussed how to prepare for divorce before actually finding a divorce lawyer.  Let's take a look at how to approach finding a good divorce lawyer.

Step 2:  How to Find a Divorce Lawyer

The best divorce lawyers often have this “stigma” surrounding them.  They are often portrayed as tough and ruthless, a “Type A” personality that will fight your battles for you.  While this is often true, divorce lawyers also should be empathetic to your situation and your needs.  If it feels like it is all about the money for them then I would suggest moving on to a new lawyer.

Finding a divorce lawyer is difficult because you often can’t ask your friends for a referral, and going through the phone book seems like a big gamble.  So if you don’t already know a divorce lawyer and you don’t have any friendly referrals you need to do your own research.

Going online to search for a divorce lawyer is often your best first step.  You can search for lawyers on sites like LocalDivorceLawyers.com or Lawyers.com where there are divorce lawyer bios, reviews, hourly fees, and information that will be useful in determining who is best for you.  Read through the listings and reviews, and then create a list of 5-7 lawyers that you feel best represents who you would like to work with.

Out of the 5-7 lawyers on your list, start calling the offices of each one.  You will most likely remove 2-3 names from the list just by having a bad first impression with a receptionist or not getting a return phone call.  That will leave you with the option of 3-5 divorce lawyers to setup initial consultations with.  These divorce consultations can often be done over the phone and many lawyers will not charge for this first call or meeting.

The most important thing you can do when having a divorce consultation is to use your gut.  If something just doesn’t feel right or you are uncomfortable at the meeting, go with your instinct and move on to the next divorce lawyer on your list.  You should feel at ease during the meeting, able to speak freely, and receive clear direct answers to your questions.  Bring along a pad of paper and pen with questions you want to ask.  Write down the answer you get because you will most likely forget the answers if you do not.

Which Divorce Lawyer Should You Hire?  Take the information you have collected (your notes and your gut instinct) and then compare this with the costs each lawyer charges.  It is not a good idea to use price alone when choosing a divorce lawyer, but if you like two lawyers the same and just can’t decide, it is okay to use price to split the tie. 

So you have decided on a Divorce Lawyer, now what?  Filing for a Divorce and Informing Your Spouse