Navigating a divorce successfully requires an understanding of the legal processes and how they can affect each case. Studies show over a wide variety of case types, relying on the knowledge and experience of an attorney can result in more favorable outcomes than representing yourself in court.
This includes divorce cases, as attorneys understand what elements to advocate for, what to concede, and what evidence is necessary to produce a favorable result where possible. However, finding the right divorce attorney for you can add an additional layer of stress to an already challenging time, leaving you unsure how or where to start the process.
Here are four of the primary online resources and directories for finding your divorce attorney in Ellicott City, MD.
Martindale-Hubbell
Among online resources for locating attorneys, Martindale-Hubbell is one of the most ubiquitous names in the field. This organization strives to provide comprehensive information about attorneys nationwide, connecting professionals with clients and others in their business who operate within their desired legal areas.
While attorneys can use this resource to locate other professionals with whom they may consult for advice on specific issues, the public can also use Martindale-Hubbell’s search function to find attorneys in their area who operate within a specific field.
Their “Browse by Location” feature is a good start for those in the process of divorce in Ellicott City, MD, but individuals can also browse by specialty to find the specific divorce attorneys that are closest to their area. Each attorney on Martindale-Hubbell’s website will have an entry detailing their history, areas of practice, contact information, and the states in which they are licensed.
Many will also explain their fee structure and from where they earned their degree. Profiles can contain both client and peer reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of the attorney’s past work.
One of the simplest ways to gain a cursory overview of the divorce attorneys in your area is to use Google. The more specific the search terms, the more accurate the results; queries such as “Ellicott City, MD Divorce Attorney” are a good place to start.
The information provided by Google will include an attorney’s website, if applicable, as well as relevant contact information and the hours during which their firm operates. Google typically furnishes reviews from previous clients as part of their search results.
However, one of the negatives of using Google to locate a divorce attorney is that not all attorneys maintain websites, and failure to do so is not a reflection of the quality of their practice. Thus, clients may miss the opportunity to collaborate with a good fit if they rely solely on Google.
Bar Associations
Each attorney must be a member of the bar in any state in which they practice. Therefore, contacting the state’s bar association is a useful means of identifying attorneys who practice near you.
Most bar associations will offer attorney referral services to direct individuals toward professionals whose area of practice aligns with their needs. This service may come with a minimal cost, or it may be free, especially for certain subsets of citizens, such as domestic abuse survivors.
In certain locations, a local bar association tied to specific counties may be able to offer more specific information in addition to the statewide bar. The online search function can be narrowed down by area of practice as well as geographic location.
Legal Aid Services
Depending on each individual’s situation, some may qualify for free or low cost legal aid services. Certain family challenges, such as domestic abuse and violence, can qualify a person for legal aid, including referrals to attorneys who practice divorce law.
In Maryland, this service is called Maryland Legal Aid, which offers a free online application that can put individuals in touch with attorneys relevant to their challenges, including divorce. Furthermore, Maryland Legal Aid can connect you with free legal clinics and other useful resources that can assist and educate you during this challenging time.
Find a High-Quality Attorney for Your Divorce
Those facing a divorce must contend with economic pressures, the time commitment of gathering evidence, and navigating familial matters such as childcare and property division, among many other factors.
During this time, the additional pressure of finding an attorney can seem overwhelming. However, online resources and directories can alleviate this burden by connecting you with divorce attorneys directly in Ellicott City, such as Milstein Siegel.
Contact the Milstein Siegel team to prepare for your divorce and pursue an outcome that fairly accounts for your situation.