How do find a professional divorce lawyer? Here are ten tips to help you decide how to narrow down your choices to find the immigration lawyers Manchester to represent you in likely the most painful thing you might do in your entire lifetime:
1. Make A List Of Names.
First, make a list of names of divorce lawyers you have found–whether you got them from the phone book, by speaking to friends, or looked on the Internet. Select at least three divorce lawyers you feel would be good choices.
2. Make A List Of Questions To Ask.
Write down a list of questions you want to ask a lawyer or immigration solicitors Manchester. You can ask about things such as his/her divorce specialization skills, approach to divorce law as it applies to your case, and costs.
3. Contact the Lawyer.
Call each lawyer’s office and ask for a consultation appointment; if it is not free, you may have to pay a fee. If he/she does not offer a consultation, see if you can ask questions over the phone. If not, you may want to talk to another lawyer.
4. Consultation.
Do as much research as possible about the lawyer before talking to him/her on the phone or in person. Discuss the facts of your case with each lawyer on your list. Share every single detail of your case–don’t hide anything. Ask your questions and listen carefully and write down the lawyer’s answers so you have a clear understanding of things immigration solicitors in Manchester. This consultation will help you see how comfortable you feel with this professional.
5. Make A Choice.
Once you have your questions answered, it is time to make a choice. It is best to hire the lawyer with whom you feel most comfortable, who you feel is the most experienced with your type of divorce case, and with whom you feel you can afford to pay his/her fees.
6. Communication Skills.
It is essential that a good divorce lawyer have strong communication skills. The one you choose should listen to you and appreciate the circumstances you are facing. You need to be sure that the lawyer representing you during your divorce can present your case effectively to the jury when the time comes.
7. Costs.
There can be a great difference in the fees that lawyers charge. Generally, better known and well-established lawyers charge more. However, the quality of representation you get may not be equal to the high price you pay. Keep fees in mind while making your decision. Some divorce lawyers charge on an hourly basis and some by a lump sum up-front.
8. Expertise.
Your lawyer will be representing you throughout the whole divorce process and possibly even into the future, especially if children are involved. Knowing that he/she has experience in divorce law will help you decide if the lawyer is a good choice for your case.
9. Your Specific Divorce Issues.
Divorce is about dividing the assets you and your spouse acquired during marriage. It’s about dividing the time you each have with your children, if applicable, and determining who gets to keep the house and who’s going to pay child support or alimony. Make sure you feel like the lawyer understands your issues.
10. Be Realistic.
You need to have realistic goals about your divorce. Tell your lawyer what you want to have once the divorce is over, such as custody, property, etc. However, some of your goals may not be realistic, so you may need to adjust your expectations to fit what is happening. For example, you may wish to live in your house, but the court may not allow that due to the division of property.
Now that you have read these ten tips that can help you find a professional divorce lawyer, hopefully you will keep them in mind and use them if you need a lawyer in the future.