Selecting a Lawyer
First and foremost, in family law matters
especially, you should find a lawyer with whom you are comfortable. You
may need to interview a number of lawyers to find the right one for you.
Your family law attorney should be someone knowledgeable about family law, and
should be caring.
Good referral sources:
- Friends, family, non-divorce lawyers, local bar associations, and
nationwide listing books.
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Important factors:
- Compatibility, reputation, experience, fees, responsiveness, negotiating
skills and style.
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Following are just a few basic, frequently asked questions
relating to this topic.
1) Do I really need lawyer?
Not necessarily, but if you
have minor children, or assets you and your spouse can't divide agreeably, you are probably better off
hiring a lawyer. Keep in mind that if you represent yourself, the Court
will still expect you to present your case properly.
2) How can I keep my legal fees
down?
The better you and your spouse can communicate, and the less disagreements
you have about dividing your marital estate, the lower your fees should
be. You can help keep your fees lower by doing the "homework" your lawyer assigns you, completely and
as independently as possible.
3) If my spouse and I try mediation, can I still have a lawyer?
Yes. Most mediators encourage clients to have their own attorney review agreements reached at
mediation and draft the final orders.
(This document is considered "advertising" under
Supreme Court Rule 3:07)