Could I Benefit from a Philadelphia Divorce Lawyer?
Perhaps you are considering using a Philadelphia divorce attorney but are unsure if your situation requires actually requires this type of legal assistance. Consider the following situations where divorce lawyers have been instrumental:
- Couples with children (a lawyer can help you make custody arrangements)
- One partner is the primary financial provider (the other partner may not have the means to support him or herself after a divorce is over)
- Both partners come upon inheritance while married (there may be concerns over who has a right to keep this inheritance, or how to share it)
- You or your spouse is in debt (divorce proceedings can become costly over time)
- Couples that have been married for less than five years (states such as California, “summary dissolution,” which may allow you to get a divorce without the need to appear in front of a a judge or require an attorney)
How to Locate a Divorce Attorney
You may want to begin the search by talking to people who have contacted lawyers in the past, such as friends and family. Counselors, therapists, and even other lawyers can recommend successful divorce attorneys in the area.
Whether you find a lawyer through a referral, online, or in the phone book, be sure to examine his or her credentials. Attorneys who specialize in divorce cases are familiar with divorce laws and may have more experience with cases like yours.
Meeting your Chosen Lawyer
After selecting a Philadelphia attorney, you should meet with your choice in person for a consultation. Remember that lawyers who are difficult to contact or who respond tardily may maintain these same habits during your case. You should not be afraid to ask about a lawyer’s prices, specializations, or past cases/practices. Maintaining openness and communication is key.
Since lawyers are usually the ones talking and directing later on in the case, your consultation is your time to speak. Share all information with your divorce attorney that could be useful for your case, so that you two are on the same page.
There are also several other answers that you should find out from your lawyer. For instance:
- For how long has this divorce lawyer been practicing?
- Does he/she have significant experience with divorce trials? Have these cases resulted in failure or success?
- Does your lawyer have experience in negotiation for settlements?
- How familiar is he/she with divorce mediators?
- Has he/she displayed familiarity with the tax issues of divorce?
- Has he or she handled cases like yours before?
- What will be the projected period of time for your case/the prospective outcome?
- How do you contact your lawyer and what is his/her schedule?
- What should you expect as far as fee (including travel fee and specific billings) and what will be the manner of billing?
If you consult several Philadelphia divorce attorneys, remember to ask them these questions so that you can compare them side-by-side. Making the right choice takes time, but once you have decided on a lawyer, your divorce case will very likely become more manageable.