Eight Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Few things are as important and life-changing as deciding to end a marriage. While you may put plenty of thought and consideration into filing for divorce, you should also spend some time thinking about how to choose the right lawyer.

Do you know the right questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them? Are you prepared for all of the proceedings? Find out how to navigate this situation with tips from an experienced divorce attorney in Phoenix, AZ.

Why Hiring Legal Representation Matters During a Divorce

Ending a marriage comes with legal complexities. Spouses may share a home, liquid assets, and children. Dividing their assets and coming up with child custody agreements can be a long, potentially contentious process.

A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand the divorce process based on state laws. For instance, couples who divorce in Arizona will face a 60-day waiting period between filing the petition and being able to finalize the divorce. Certain states have longer waiting periods, while others have shorter ones.

Your attorney will clearly explain the process and what you might expect from beginning to end. Bear in mind that every case is different, and outcomes could vary based on your unique circumstances.

Eight Important Questions To Ask a Divorce Attorney

There are many important questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them. If you don’t inquire about their experience, attorney fees, and other key topics, it might impact your overall experience as their client.

Not sure how to approach the situation? Below is a breakdown of what to ask during a consultation.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have?

When searching for an attorney, legal experience is paramount. Look for respected law firms whose legal counsel has decades of combined experience. Seasoned lawyers will have handled several cases throughout their careers and potentially built a strong reputation.

Don’t just focus on overall experience. Press an attorney about their work handling divorce cases, in particular, compared to other types of family law.

2. I Have Young Kids. Do You Help With Child Custody Arrangements?

Many former couples have to navigate child custody agreements during their divorce proceedings. If you share children with your soon-to-be ex, one of the key questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them centers around custody.

To avoid drawn-out processes and court appearances, many couples go through divorce mediation. Their attorneys may be present during these sessions, along with a neutral third-party mediator who will guide the discussion. The purpose of mediation is to help both parties reach an agreement on key aspects of their divorce, including parenting time.

Some custody cases end up going to court. Since many divorce lawyers also handle custody cases, your lawyer may be able to represent you in this situation.

3. What Can I Expect During Divorce Proceedings?

If you’re considering filing for divorce and aren’t sure what the process entails, it’s wise to schedule a consultation with an attorney. Use this opportunity to ask them about the proceedings and potential outcomes.

Every case is different, so there is no certainty that your divorce will go through the same steps as a friend’s or relative’s. These may include:

• Signing a Consent Decree of Dissolution
• A default judgment
• Mediation
• Litigation

During your consultation, tell the lawyer about your situation, and they might recommend a certain route. For example, if you and your spouse mutually decide to divorce and are willing to reach an amicable agreement, you may go through a streamlined uncontested divorce.

Do you anticipate your spouse disagreeing with you when it comes to the division of property or child custody? The case may lead to litigation, which is usually more costly and time consuming than other options.

4. Do You Practice Other Types of Law?

Among the questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them, not all of them center around divorce cases. You may also end up needing a family lawyer in the future. If so, it’s much easier to contact an attorney you’ve previously worked with instead of searching for a new one.

Ask about other family law cases an attorney may handle, such as:

• Child support
• Child custody
• Adoption
• Prenuptial agreements
• Postnuptial agreements

Some family law firms, like Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC, also offer estate planning. After a divorce, you may wish to create a will or update an existing one. Be mindful of this when searching for the right legal representation.

5. How Will You Communicate With Me During the Process?

A streamlined, uncontested divorce in Arizona can still take several months to finalize. The process becomes even longer when parties cannot agree on a settlement and need a judge to intervene.

No matter how long the process takes for you, you’ll need to maintain good communication with your legal team. Ask some of these key questions during divorce lawyer consultations:

• Will you communicate with me regularly, or only if there are new updates?
• What type of communication method do you prefer?
• Will I be able to reach you for any urgent issues?

Some people hire attorneys without knowing their communication style. If they expect consistent updates but the lawyer rarely reaches out, it could make for a poor client experience. Manage expectations early by inquiring about an attorney’s communication style.

6. How Much Will Your Legal Services Cost?

One of the biggest questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them is, “How much do you charge?” You may find that certain law firms charge lower fees than others, which could influence your decision.

The total price you pay might vary based on a firm’s billing structure. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for their services, while others bill clients at an hourly rate. During your consultation, inquire about the firm’s billing structure, so you have a better idea of what an attorney’s services will cost.

7. Will You Handle the Majority of My Case’s Work?

Divorce lawyers usually don’t work alone. They may have paralegals helping with documentation or administrative assistants who will be the client’s first point of contact.

It’s fine if your attorney has support staff helping them with their cases. However, you want to make sure that a licensed attorney is either handling or overseeing the bulk of the work.

8. Do You Have References From Past Clients?

One final question to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring one is, “Do you have references I could reach out to?” While talking with a lawyer during an initial consultation allows you to learn about their legal experience and how they might handle your case, if you want more insights about their client satisfaction, you’ll need to hear from those who have been in your shoes.

Don’t hesitate to request references or review client testimonials before making a decision. Hearing about someone’s experience working with a particular divorce lawyer may lead you to hire them with confidence or keep looking.

How To Narrow Down Your Options and Make an Informed Decision

Once you know which questions to ask a divorce lawyer and have had those conversations with different attorneys, your final decision may be easier. The main components to focus on are:

• Legal experience and services: Are they a seasoned family lawyer who handles divorce cases and other legal matters?
• Communication habits: Are they easy to talk to? Will they keep you informed throughout the process?
• Billing structure: Were they open about how and what you’d be charged?
• Past references: Have their former clients had positive experiences with them?

You don’t want to hire a lawyer with little experience handling divorce cases. Search for respected law firms in your area, and see if anyone on their counsel is equipped to represent you based on your specific needs. For example, if you and your spouse share high-value property and own significant assets, it’s wise to look for a lawyer who has handled high-net-worth divorces.

If you’re concerned about the cost of a divorce, it’s wise to compare the ways that different lawyers bill their clients. A high hourly rate might deter you, but depending on the number of hours required, some people end up paying less in legal fees through this structure compared to a flat fee.

Think about the type of working relationship you want with your lawyer. If you don’t think their communication style will be a good fit, you may want to keep looking.

Connect With Our Arizona Divorce Attorneys Today

Knowing which questions to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring one could make your decision easier. Ask the questions mentioned in this guide for a full understanding of how an attorney can support you.

If you’re considering filing for divorce and want an experienced legal team representing you, contact Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC. Our family lawyers handle divorce, legal separation, child custody cases, and more. Schedule a consultation to learn how our legal professionals can assist you.

Call (623) 294-2464 or submit our online request form to get started.