A divorce causes family and assets to be put at stake; choosing the right divorce attorney to defend your interests can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Although the family court system is intended to be fair to both parties, there is always the possibility that something could negatively influence some aspects of your case.
Therefore, having an experienced divorce attorney for men on your side can help ensure you are treated fairly in the proceedings. Keep the following points in mind when choosing a divorce attorney:
Choose Attorneys Who Specialize In Divorces
Some lawyers may claim that they specialize in divorce, but if they practice in more than one area, they may lack sufficient experience to help you successfully navigate your divorce. Check the credentials, references and background of every attorney you consider before making a decision to retain. The attorney you choose should be working in a family law firm or have considerable recent experience working in a family law firm, and their current firm’s website should indicate that divorce is their specialty.
Talk To Family and Friends
Although it may not be the easiest topic to broach, talking to family, friends and acquaintances who have recently divorced may be an excellent source for attorney referrals. Researching online may make it far easier than it was in the past to identify good attorneys, but it does not compare to the value of receiving a personal recommendation from someone who has worked with a specific attorney in the past.
Talk To Several Attorneys Before Deciding
Be sure to meet with several attorneys before you decide which one to retain; this should include those with specific experience representing men in divorces. It is equally important to choose someone with whom you will be comfortable working and discussing personal matters. This often requires an in-person meeting to gauge your comfort level.
Do not assume that an attorney who charges more per hour is a better attorney and will therefore be able to obtain a better settlement on your behalf. Although more experienced attorneys do often charge higher rates, price alone is not a good indication of how well they will perform.
Find Someone With Courtroom Experience
You may be expecting your divorce to be amicable, but divorces that start out with a friendly tone can sometimes take a turn for the worse rather quickly. Your divorce attorney will do their best to avoid having your case resolved in court, but anything is possible, particularly in a divorce.
Having an attorney experienced in courtroom procedure, and especially one who regularly practices in your jurisdiction, will give you a solid foundation. A good courtroom attorney will also have the negotiation skills needed to help you secure a positive outcome and fair settlement, even if your case does not end up in the courtroom.
Choose A Local Divorce Attorney
Although attorneys who have recently moved to the area may come highly recommended by someone you trust, they will lack some of the benefits of a local attorney. It is always wise to choose a divorce attorney who is experienced in your local area.
This is not a matter of convenience, you should retain an attorney who frequently manages cases in your jurisdiction because they will have working experience with the judges and court staff. This working experience not only creates a smooth path for filing motions and hearings but also provides an understanding of the local nuances and the history of outcomes with the judges who may hear your case.
Do Not Decide Based On Advertising Alone
Advertisements are an effective marketing method and are not inherently bad, but they should not be your sole method for selecting an attorney. While high-quality commercials may indicate a successful law firm, they may lack the personal attention your case requires, or they may not specialize in areas of concern your case may have.
Consider The Specific Concerns In Your Case
Every divorce is unique, and if you have any major areas of focus in your case, you should hire an attorney who has the right experience to protect your interests. For example, if you own a large business, the attorney you choose should have experience in business valuation.
Government workers should look at attorneys with experience in dividing federal pensions in divorce as they follow different rules than conventional retirement accounts. If you have children and are expecting a potential custody dispute, be sure to choose someone who is familiar with your area’s custody and support laws.
Request A Consultation With The Experienced Maryland Family Law Attorneys
If you are searching for divorce attorneys who specialize in representing men, contact the experienced Maryland family law attorneys at Milstein Siegel online or over the phone at (410) 792-2300 to request a consultation.
