In your search for the ideal divorce lawyer in San Diego, it is necessary to understand which traits, qualities and capabilities are most important to you. You can find the best attorney and get legal advice that helps you move forward with confidence by knowing what questions to ask during the initial consultation.
How Long Have You Been Handling Divorce Cases in San Diego?
A lawyer’s level of experience in divorce law can make a world of difference to the outcome of your case. Inquire about the lawyer’s number of years of experience and ask to discuss some past case results.
For the greatest peace of mind, you want to hire a lawyer with at least several years of experience handling divorce cases like yours. If you have a special case, such as a military or celebrity divorce, the attorney you hire needs to have relevant experience.
What Challenges Do You Foresee During My Divorce Case?
Your initial consultation with an attorney is not only an opportunity to get to know the lawyer better, but also for you to understand your divorce case and legal situation. Asking about possible challenges can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
After reviewing your circumstances, the family law attorney may be able to warn you of potential pitfalls, such as valuable assets, a shared family business or a custody battle. The attorney may give you an idea of the personalized solutions that may be available to resolve these issues.
How Much Will Your Services Cost?
You should leave the initial consultation with at least a basic idea of how much hiring the attorney will cost. While the price will vary based on the length of your divorce case, its complexity, and whether or not it goes to trial, you should at least leave knowing what the attorney charges per hour and what the estimated bill might look like to retain their services.
What Makes You Uniquely Qualified to Be My Divorce Attorney?
Remember – your divorce attorney will work for you, not the other way around. The consultation is your chance to “interview” the lawyer, in a way. Ask why the lawyer believes he or she is the right fit for your divorce case.
The ideal attorney for you will have qualifications such as years of relevant experience, a long track record of happy clientele and a specialization in divorce law (such as a Certified Family Law Specialist). If the attorney thinks another law firm would be a better fit for your unique needs, they should offer you a referral.
What Is Your Approach to a Conflicted Divorce Case?
If you are considering hiring an attorney, it is likely because you suspect you will have a contested divorce case – one where you and your soon-to-be-ex spouse do not see eye-to-eye on the terms of the divorce.
During your case evaluation, ask the lawyer how he or she typically solves conflicts: mediation, arbitration or a divorce trial? The attorney you hire should have litigation experience with local courts and judges in case your divorce cannot reach an out-of-court agreement.
Who Will Be Working on My Case?
Not all law firms are created equal. Some prioritize profits by accepting as many clients as possible and arbitrarily passing them off to paralegals or assistants. This is not what you want for your divorce case.
You should feel confident that you know exactly which attorney will be handling your case, what the process will look like, whether you will be a priority, how your lawyer will communicate with you and how often you should expect to receive case updates.
If you’re ready to schedule an initial consultation with a top divorce lawyer in San Diego, contact Boyd Law at (619) 232-1206. Our lead attorney, Karie Boyd, was ranked Top 1% of Attorneys in the Nation by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
