best divorce attorneys near me

Finding the Best Divorce Lawyers in Your Area

Going through a divorce can be an incredibly difficult and stressful time. Having the right divorce attorney on your side can make all the difference. I totally get the anxiety around finding a divorce lawyer you really vibe with. It’s a super personal decision. This article has everything you need to know about finding the most kickass divorce attorneys in your neck of the woods.

Define What You Need in a Divorce Lawyer

Start by making a list of must-haves for your situation. Do you need an aggressive litigator who isn’t afraid to play hardball in the courtroom? Or a compassionate counselor type who will hold your hand through mediation? Got kids? Then you’ll want a lawyer well-versed in crafting custody agreements. Are finances super complex? Find someone with forensic accounting chops to dig into the details.
Once you’re clear on what you want in an attorney, it’s easier to pinpoint the right fits.

Ask Around for Referrals from Friends and Family

First place to start your search? Ask trusted friends, fam, and coworkers if they’ve worked with any divorce attorneys they’d recommend. Referrals from people you know always come with bonus credibility.
Pro tip: don’t just ask people who’ve been divorced themselves. Lots of folks have lawyer friends they can connect you with. Cast a wide net!

Search Attorney Directories and Read Reviews

Next, hop online to peruse attorney directories like Avvo, LawInfo, and FindLaw. All have robust search filters to locate lawyers in your area who specialize in divorce and family law. Spend some time browsing profiles, credentials, client reviews and ratings. This intel is clutch for narrowing down your prospects.
Pay special attention to detailed reviews. They give great insight into attorneys’ responsiveness, communication styles and ability to deliver favorable case outcomes.

Schedule Free Consultations to Vet Prospects

Once you’ve identified 3-5 promising attorney candidates, set up free consultations with each. Most divorce lawyers offer at least a 30-minute free session to mutually assess whether you’re a good fit.
Come prepared with a list of Qs like:
How long have you practiced divorce law? How many cases have you handled similar to mine?
What’s your general approach and philosophy when representing clients? Aggressive litigator? Amicable mediator?
If my case does go to trial, what’s your success rate? Can you share any case results?
What’s your availability and responsiveness like if I have urgent questions or updates?
What are your fees, billing structure and what costs might come up?
Pay attention to how comfortable you feel interacting with each prospect. Do you click on a personal level? Do they clearly explain legal concepts and set realistic expectations? By the end of the consults, you’ll likely have a standout fave.

Do Additional Background Research

Before signing any retainer agreements, do some additional digging to confirm your top choice has the chops and ethical track record you want.
First, verify they’re licensed in your state through the bar association directory. Then search online for their name plus terms like “disciplinary action” and “ethics complaint.” Hopefully nothing alarming surfaces. But better to know up front if an attorney has a shady past.
You can also run criminal background checks through various online services. Again, just prudent due diligence before hiring.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

Finding the best divorce lawyer involves research and analysis. But at the end of the day, you’ve gotta trust your gut. The attorney you choose needs to make you feel heard, understood and like they’ve fully got your back every step of the way.
If your gut says “hell yes!” about one of the prospects on your short list? Then you probably found your match made in legal heaven.
Need more guidance on the divorce process from filing to finalization? Check out my other articles:

• Navigating the Divorce Process from Start to Finish
• Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation: Pros, Cons and Costs
• Complete List of Divorce Forms You’ll Need to File

I know that finding the right divorce lawyer for your situation takes time and effort up front. But having a great attorney in your corner? It’s worth every minute. Wishing you the very best in moving forward during this significant life transition. You’ve got this!