divorce lawyers near me

Finding the Best Divorce Lawyer in Your Area

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally trying time. Having the right legal representation by your side makes the process less stressful. I’ve been through a divorce myself, so I know how important it is to find an attorney you connect with on a personal level. In this article, I’ll share my tips on how to locate competent divorce lawyers in your city that fit your needs and budget.

Ask Friends and Family for Referrals

Word-of-mouth is often the best way to find a great divorce lawyer. Reach out to friends, family, coworkers or neighbors who’ve been through a divorce. Ask them about their experience with their attorney and if they’d recommend them. Having a personal referral gives you an idea of what it’ll be like to work with that lawyer before you ever step foot in their office.
For example, my friend Jenny used the law firm of Smith & Jones for her amicable divorce last year. She told me her lawyer, Jane Smith, was very empathetic and helped her navigate the paperwork smoothly. So when I needed a lawyer for my high-conflict divorce, I contacted Jane to set up a consultation based on Jenny’s glowing review.

Research Local Divorce Lawyers Online

Another excellent way to find divorce lawyers in your area is doing some online research:

• Search Google for terms like “top divorce lawyers near me” or “family lawyers Anytown, US.” This turns up law firms in your city and reviews from past clients.
• Check reputable legal directories like Avvo, LawInfo, and FindLaw that rate local lawyers based on experience, fees and areas of practice.
• Browse through divorce lawyer profiles on these sites to find ones who specialize in cases like yours – whether it’s amicable, involves child custody, or is a high net worth divorce.
• Pay attention to client reviews that give insight into the lawyer’s responsiveness, communication style and outcome of past cases.

Doing thorough research gives you a strong starting point for compiling a list of promising divorce lawyers to interview.

Schedule Free Initial Consultations

Once you have a shortlist of 3-5 potential attorneys, call their offices to set up a free consultation. This is an introductory meeting that helps you get a feel for the lawyer’s personality and practice before committing to work with them.
An initial consultation typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour and involves:

• The lawyer explaining their background, experience and case approach
• You describing your situation and concerns about the divorce
• Discussing legal strategy and possible outcomes
• Finding out their availability and consulting fees

I suggest preparing some questions in advance – things like legal experience with cases like yours, communication style, hourly rates and timeline estimates. Taking notes during each meeting also helps compare them afterwards.
Pay attention to how comfortable you feel talking to the attorney. Going through a divorce is deeply personal, so you need a lawyer you can be open with. I knew I’d found the right fit when I left my initial consultation with Cindy feeling heard, hopeful and confident she could handle my case.

Compare Credentials and Specialties

One major factor in choosing a divorce lawyer is their background and skills. Be sure to ask:

• How long they’ve practiced family law specifically
• What percentage of their workload is divorce cases
• If they have experience with situations similar to yours – e.g. cases involving infidelity, business ownership, domestic violence, etc.

While all family lawyers are qualified to handle divorce, some have deeper expertise and a proven track record with specific case types. For high net worth divorces, celebrity breakups or cases involving complex financial assets – you’ll want someone certified as a divorce financial analyst.
I’d also ensure your lawyer keeps up with the latest divorce laws and precedent-setting rulings. Cindy showed me she regularly takes continuing education courses to stay on top of Pennsylvania’s ever-changing legal landscape.

Compare Billing Rates and Payment Terms

The cost of your divorce lawyer can really add up over the course of your case, so get clear on their fee structure upfront. Lawyers typically bill by the hour at rates from $100-$500+ per hour depending on experience, location and practice size. Here are some questions to ask:

• Do you offer flat project fees or packages for different case types?
• How much is your hourly rate and what expenses do those fees cover?
• How often do you bill – monthly, quarterly etc.?
• What are your payment terms and options?

You’ll also want to inquire if they provide free services like initial consultations or document review. For example, Cindy includes 1-hour client calls in her fixed monthly fees so I never feel rushed talking to her.
If hourly rates are too high, ask if they have more junior lawyers on staff who bill at lower rates for things like drafting paperwork. Just ensure the partners still manage your case.

Understand Their Availability and Responsiveness

Going through a divorce while juggling your regular life is hectic. You need an attorney who’s readily available to update, answer questions and generally guide you through the process. During consultations, inquire about:

• How quickly do you return calls and emails – within 2 hours, 24 hours, etc.?
• Could I contact you on weekends or evenings if I have an urgent question?
• Will you personally handle my case or pass it to an associate?
• How often will we meet to discuss status and next steps?

I was interviewing a lawyer once who told me she caps client communication to 1 call per week. I crossed her right off my list because I wanted to hear from my attorney daily for reassurance while everything was being filed.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

At the end of the day, you’ll be working closely with your divorce lawyer for months to come. So beyond credentials, experience and pricing – listen to your intuition.
Notice how you feel during initial consultations when discussing deeply personal details like:

• What led to the breakdown of your marriage
• Custody arrangements for your children
• Division of shared finances and assets

Do you feel judged or reassured? Awkward or understood? Confused or informed? Think about which lawyer makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
For me, Cindy’s compassionate nature and realistic optimism during our first meeting put me at ease. I knew I could open up to her completely without feeling embarrassed – which would be key as we built my case.
Let your gut guide you to the right divorce lawyer. With a great attorney in your corner, you’ll navigate your divorce with less anxiety and achieve better outcomes.