Experience, results, and cost: These are the three most critical factors you will need to consider when hiring a divorce attorney. Getting honest answers up front will increase the likelihood that you will get through your case without needing to switch attorneys.
Experience
Consider the following questions:
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to divorce?
- Does everyone in your firm handle divorce cases?
- How many cases have you tried in court?
- Is your goal to settle cases?
- What is the size of your firm?
These are just a few entry level questions you should prepare to ask prospects. You can also Google the attorney in question or check Maryland’s Judiciary Case Search website to find out how many cases he or she has handled.
And ask around. Experience tends to become obvious. If you search online for an attorney and find little to nothing, that says something, doesn’t it?
Results
Results are tough to gauge. Ethical issues prohibit attorneys from handing out references from previous clients. Instead, ask the attorney about results he or she is most proud of. Ask about results that were disappointing. Finally, ask what he or she thinks your best result should be. This conversation should be at least ten minutes, and should provide you with both best and worst case scenarios.
Cost
Hire an attorney you can afford. You want an attorney who has the highest probability of meeting your goals. Find out what the best and worst case scenarios are regarding the costs of your case.
There is often a divide, but there are many ways to find money to afford the divorce attorney you need.
There are never any guarantees in life, but when it comes to hiring a divorce attorney, approach it as though you are hiring a surgeon. Do you want a generalist or a specialist? Do you want someone who occasionally handles these cases, or do you want someone who knows the probable result at your initial consultation?
You need an advocate who will fight for your rights and protect your best interests. Milstein Siegel offers comprehensive family law representation backed by decades of experience. Call us today at (410) 792-2300 to learn more, or fill out the form to get started.