Once you've asked for (or been asked for) a divorce, your life feels very unsettled. Even if you want a divorce, whatever your reasons, it signifies the end of an important life milestone, a marriage. There will be a period of mourning in which you try to come to terms with and reconcile your feelings. In the midst of all this turmoil, you also have the job of trying to find not only a good lawyer, but a divorce lawyer, someone who's got experience in that field. Picking the wrong lawyer to handle your divorce can have devastating and lasting effects on your future.
That said, there are a few caveats about how to go about your search. Don't rely solely on advertisements or word of mouth. Somebody who did a great job for a friend, may not be the "perfect" choice for you. Every case is individual and unique.
First, find a lawyer who specializes in divorce. There will usually be one in a family law practice. A lawyer who specializes in divorce will have more extensive knowledge and experience than a lawyer who just takes an occasional divorce case. It's perfectly acceptable to ask a lawyer what his or her actual experience is. Your divorce lawyer should have several years experience in handling divorce cases and specifically in your state. (Lawyers move, like anyone else.) A new divorce lawyer in a firm might have lots of experience in the state he just left, but not be "up to speed" in his new state.
Secondly, make sure your potential lawyer has extensive courtroom experience. (Don't just assume that all lawyers have it.) A lawyer with years of courtroom experience will understand the complexities of the system and may even know how best to best deal with certain judges in the court. Additionally, she's more apt to know when it's in your best interest not to go to court because you're likely to fail. This can save you unnecessary time and conflict. A good divorce lawyer should be flexible, in other words, and able to succeed for you both in and out of the courtroom.
Thirdly, make sure your potential divorce lawyer has experience with the intricacies of your case, such as extensive assets, children and custody, etc.
Finally, make sure you like him as a person, and that you agree with his philosophy and ideas on how best to handle your case. You don't want to constantly be at odds with him, making the entire process more difficult than it already is. And importantly, a lawyer who's easy to get along with will also be likely to communicate well with others involved in your case, from secretaries to court judges.
If you're in the process of searching for a good divorce lawyer in the Worcester area, contact us for a consultation. We're committed to always protecting your best interests in and out of the courtroom, and will do so with empathy and discretion.
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