Afsana Chowdhury | September 4, 2023 | Divorce
Divorces, even amicable divorces, are traumatic events in almost every case. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, the emotional terrain will likely be rugged for a while.
Finding the right lawyer is critical for a high-net-worth divorce because of the financial stakes. Similarly, if children are involved, you’ll want skilled legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your family.
What Kind of Divorce Are You Anticipating?
There are two types of divorces: nice ones and nasty ones. Another way of classifying divorces is to compare low-net-worth divorces with high-net-worth divorces, divorces involving children vs. divorces without children, etc. Choose your lawyer accordingly.
Research Online
The Internet can provide you with a wealth of information about lawyers who handle family law or divorce cases. Many websites, reviews, and online databases can help you find a lawyer and provide you with client reviews as well as objective information about a lawyer you are considering.
Be sure to review the Virginia State Bar website to make sure the lawyer is in good professional standing.
One way of determining the suitability of a lawyer is to check out client reviews from all over the Internet (not only the lawyer’s own website). Read many client reviews, both positive and negative, to determine whether the same themes emerge again and again.
Look for a Family Law Specialist
Avoid “buffet style” lawyers who handle everything from criminal defense to estate planning. Your divorce attorney should specialize in family law. That doesn’t necessarily mean a formal qualification as a specialist in family law. It just means the lawyer’s practice revolves around family law in general or divorce in particular.
Interview Candidates (Preferably in Person)
Give at least some consideration to your gut feeling. Do you like the attorney? Do you feel comfortable around them? This matters more than you might think. If you cannot get along with your lawyer, you two are unlikely to enjoy a very productive relationship. It is also important that you trust your lawyer. Listen to your gut feeling here as well.
Discuss Fees at Your First Meeting
Before agreeing to hire an attorney, insist on a detailed fee agreement and read it very carefully before you sign it. If you don’t understand everything it says, ask the lawyer about it or take it to another lawyer.
Remember, however, that the cheapest lawyer is not always the best value. Balance quality against price. Considering the stakes involved in a divorce, choose quality over price in the event of a conflict.
Evaluate Their Communication Style
Communication style is often overlooked, but it is critical to a successful relationship with your lawyer. It’s also essential to your relationship with the court.
Your lawyer should have the ability to explain complex concepts to you in language that you don’t need a law degree to understand. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with how the lawyer communicates, both verbally and in writing.
How Busy is the Lawyer?
A busy, stressed-out attorney might turn out to be overly combative. This might fit your needs under certain circumstances. However, it could be disastrous under other circumstances, especially if children are involved.
How Big is the Law Firm?
You don’t need your case passed down to an assistant or to a paralegal. You also don’t need to be treated like a case number instead of a human being. Select a lawyer from a small firm that can offer you individualized attention.
Find the Right Virginia Divorce Attorney to Suit Your Needs
Divorce can be a turbulent event, but choosing the right family lawyer can smooth your transition. Trust in experience and local expertise for the best outcomes. Your choice of an attorney is not just about legalities; it’s about finding someone who can support you during one of life’s most difficult times. Take your time, and you’ll find an advocate ready to stand by your side.
Contact The Divorce Law Firm of Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC in Fairfax, VA.
For more information, please contact an experienced Divorce lawyer at Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury, PLC to schedule an initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Fairfax, VA.
We proudly serve Fairfax, VA, and its surrounding areas
Law Office of Afsana Chowdhury
10805 Main St STE 700A, Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 271-6519