Filing for divorce is a major decision. Depending on how long you have been married, there could be many elements involved. A divorce can also be very expensive. How long will it take?
Each divorce is different. You will likely want to use a lawyer, but choosing the right one will not be easy. You could have dozens of options in your area. Who do you pick?
There is no easy answer to this, but it starts with doing your research. Schedule consultations with multiple lawyers to ask questions and get an idea of how they will handle your divorce. Once you have narrowed down your choices, here are some questions to ask them.
What is your experience with divorce?
There are many types of law. A personal injury attorney likely will not have any experience with divorce cases. Divorce can be complex, but the lawyer you choose should be capable of coming up with effective solutions for the major issues in your case. Hire someone who has experience handling a wide range of cases and knows the laws in your state. Having awards or certifications is a bonus.
How do you charge for services?
This is an important question to ask because lawyers all bill differently, so you cannot assume. Some divorce consultations are free. Some firms charge by the hour, while others offer flat rates. Some lawyers may require a retainer, which is an upfront fee paid to a lawyer before they begin work on a case. It is like a down payment that ensures the lawyer is available for the client and covers initial costs.
Some lawyers take credit cards; others don’t. Some require payment on a monthly basis. Make sure you understand the fees and payment requirements.
How do you communicate?
Communication is key in a divorce case. You will want to be informed about key developments, and not hearing from your lawyer in a timely manner can be frustrating. Will your lawyer communicate via phone, email, or text? Will you be communicating with your lawyer only, or will a paralegal or legal assistant be communicating with you as well? You want to know what to expect.
What is your approach to divorce?
Many lawyers focus on mediation, while others are bulldogs who want to fight and take every case to trial. What kind of lawyer do you want? Mediation is often the cheaper and quicker option, but maybe you want to go to court. Determine how the lawyer you choose will fit your needs.
Contact Us Today
While California divorce lawyers may know the law to some degree, they are all different. How much experience do they have? How will they bill you? What is their communication style?
At The Law Offices of Oliver Gutierrez in Redwood City, we have the experience and skills you need to handle your divorce with ease. We are one of the few Spanish-speaking family law attorneys in the San Mateo County area. To schedule a consultation, call (650) 285-1673 or fill out the online form.
