Choosing the right divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a highly emotional and often overwhelming time. Your attorney will represent you in legal matters and be your guide, advocate, and sometimes even a calming presence when things feel uncertain. But how do you know you're choosing the right attorney for your needs?
In my two decades of experience and as a family law attorney, I’ve often seen clients hire attorneys they like who mirror their personalities or values. While this connection is certainly important, hiring a divorce attorney is a decision that should be made on more than just common ground. Factors like an attorney’s experience, approach, and connections to other professionals are all important factors when hiring them.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the five key things to look for in a divorce attorney—traits that ensure you’re not just getting legal representation but someone who truly listens, advocates, and builds a strategy aligned with your goals.
While every divorce requires varying degrees of compromise, a good attorney will listen to your fears, goals, and desires and advocate for the things most important to you. It can be a red flag if your attorney is pressuring you to make decisions that don’t feel right or if they’re encouraging you to accept an offer that is not conducive to your desires.
When I consult with a potential client, my first question is often, “What’s going on?” This allows them to talk through their situation, concerns, and goals. Even if what they want may not be possible, I view this time as a way to build trust by addressing all of their concerns. To be the advocate they deserve during the divorce, I need to know what matters most to them.
Not all family law attorneys have the same skill sets and experience in the same way that not all physicians practice the same kind of medicine. Just like you wouldn’t go to a cardiologist for a sprained ankle, going to the right attorney for your specific concerns during your divorce will make all the difference.
If your divorce will revolve heavily around your children and child custody, you need to find an attorney who will represent you properly but also has a proven record for clients. This sentiment applies to whatever the big issues in your divorce are, such as property division or business valuation.
An additional yet important note regarding finding the right attorney is the financial implications. A divorce is often so taxing that it’s easy for people to want the cheapest attorney and move on. There are circumstances where this approach may work; however, I always remind my clients that this is not the time to tighten the purse strings, so to speak. The attorney you hire will directly influence the outcome of your divorce and post-divorce life. In family law, you want someone equipped to do what’s best for you—not just what’s cheapest.
The right divorce attorney doesn’t work in isolation and has strong connections with other experts and professionals. Whether it’s business valuators, mediators, therapists, or even other attorneys, an attorney with access to a reliable network can be the key to successful outcomes in your case.
Cases take unexpected turns all the time. Hiring an attorney with an established professional network is a huge asset to any case, as your attorney’s relationships can be pivotal in resolving your case efficiently and effectively.
When speaking to potential attorneys, pay close attention to how they discuss your case. Are they making promises that sound too good to be true? Any promise, in general, can be a red flag. Family law is unpredictable, and no one can guarantee specific outcomes. A trustworthy attorney will manage your expectations while working tirelessly toward a resolution in your best interest.
During a consultation, if the attorney overpromises or sounds overly confident about the outcome they could achieve for you, my advice is simple: go somewhere else. There’s never a good time to be stuck with an attorney like this, least of all during your divorce.
When choosing an attorney, it is crucial to find someone with the experience to achieve your desired outcomes and an approach that aligns with your goals. Whether you're prepared to fight with no intention of settling or prefer a more collaborative approach, your attorney should match your energy and adapt their strategy to what matters most to you.
Again, this is why hiring the right attorney for your needs is so important. By selecting an attorney who understands and prioritizes your objectives, you'll have the support needed to reach the best possible resolution for your case.
Once you’ve found the right attorney for your needs, one of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to trust your legal team and the experts involved in your case. Whether it’s financial appraisers or child psychologists, rest assured that your team is using the best resources to strengthen your position.
As difficult as it may be, listening to your attorney is crucial. As attorneys, we’re here to guide you through one of the most challenging periods of your life, drawing from years of experience helping others in similar situations. Our advice is designed to protect your interests and support you every step of the way.
Choosing the right divorce attorney is more than just picking someone you like. It’s about finding someone who will be your guide, has the resources you need, and truly understands what’s most important to you. The right attorney will guide you through the roughest moments of your life while keeping your best interests at heart.
At the Law Offices of Kerri Cohen, I am committed to being your voice and your advocate. If you are looking for a seasoned family attorney, please contact my office at (410) 657-2515 or info@CohenLegalTeam.com to get started. We are here to help!
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With over 20 years of experience, Kerri Cohen, a seasoned family law attorney, offers expert guidance to help you navigate this challenging process.