Many people who decide on a divorce are tempted to fill out the paperwork themselves, hesitant to involve lawyers in the process. If you and your spouse are on good terms and agree on most of the decisions regarding your children or shared assets, a DIY divorce may seem the most straightforward route.
Unfortunately, what seems simple at first can become more and more complicated. You realize you need professional legal help to get the outcome you want in your divorce case… but which one should you trust? In this blog post, we will discuss finding the right Washington state divorce lawyer for your case.
How to Find the Right Lawyer to Handle Your Washington State Divorce
Going through a divorce is a difficult and emotional process. You will need to make several tough decisions in a short time, many of which will affect you for the rest of your life. For that reason, one of the best things you can do during this time is to find the right divorce lawyer to protect you now and in the future. It’s so important that we offer a free guide on choosing an attorney, Hiring the Right Lawyer for Your Family Law Case.
So, where should you start?
1. Narrow Your Options
Your guiding factor in a lawyer should be their experience. A web search for “family lawyer” or “divorce lawyer” is an excellent place to start, and adding the county you live in is even better. Consider how far you’re willing to travel to meet with them, but don’t hesitate to travel another few miles for a lawyer with more experience.
Remember: you don’t just need a divorce lawyer; you need a lawyer who handles the type of divorce you expect to go through. If you’re anticipating a child custody battle, your case involves someone with a high net worth, or you’re separating after decades of marriage, your attorney should be someone who has gone through these issues before.
You should also consider each divorce lawyer’s fees. Some charge hourly, others charge a flat fee, and some do a combination of both. A lawyer with a transparent billing structure will help you avoid unnecessary disputes or misunderstandings regarding fees.
2. Research Their Success Stories
Reputation is everything, and you want to find a divorce lawyer with good standing. Check your attorney’s client reviews, case results, and professional qualifications and accomplishments. A good divorce lawyer should be known for being compassionate, experienced, and dedicated to their clients.
3. Make the Most of Your Initial Consultation
In this meeting, you’ll be able to ask questions and see if you and the attorney are a good fit. If the first lawyer you meet with is not the lawyer for you, don’t worry. There’s no limit on the number of free consultations you can have with different attorneys before making your choice.
The lawyer will want to know basic details of your case, such as your marriage date, whether you have children, your personal and shared assets, and your income. Once they have the facts, they can tell you what you can reasonably expect after divorce. They will also discuss fees and the next steps both of you will take if you decide to hire them.
Divorce proceedings often involve personal matters that may be difficult to discuss, so you should be comfortable with your lawyer personally and professionally. Talk about what matters most to you, if they have handled similar cases, and any problems they can foresee from the beginning.
4. You Must Be Your Lawyer’s Priority
During the initial consultation, assess the lawyer's communication and listening skills. Find out how they respond to calls and messages from clients and whether they will be contactable at short notice. You should never feel like you’re bothering your lawyer, that they are making decisions without consulting you, or that they aren’t taking the time to explain things to your satisfaction.
It is essential to find a lawyer who matches your personality and preferences. If you prefer to speak in person or meet by videoconference, your lawyer should be willing to accommodate those needs. A divorce lawyer who understands your needs will be a valuable asset throughout your case.
Meet With a Washington State Divorce Attorney Who Puts You First
At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, we can provide you with sound legal advice and navigate the legal system as efficiently as possible. Call us at 425-460-0550 today to set up your no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help you secure your future.
