Nobody’s bucket list includes divorce, but it is a fact of life for many Americans. Figures on the divorce rate in America indicate that one divorce takes place every 13 seconds. 

If you’ve come to the end of the road in your marriage and are considering divorce, you’ll need to take the appropriate legal steps. Even if your split is amicable, there’s a lot to be worked out. Find out how to choose the best divorce lawyer for you with this guide. 

Set Objectives

Divorce has the potential to be one of the most stressful life events you will encounter. Stress has the ability to cloud your judgment, so take some time to consider what you want to get from your divorce. 

Your objectives can be material possessions like property or vehicles. It could be an outcome like shared custody, to avoid divorce court, or for it to be wrapped up as quickly as possible. It could simply be a feeling, like ‘freedom’ or ‘justice.’ 

Whatever the case, identifying these will give you a starting point when you start to contact lawyers. The best divorce lawyer will understand your objectives and keep them at the center of the process. 

Do Your Research for the Best Divorce Lawyer

These days, most research is conducted via a search engine. Searching ‘best divorce lawyer near me’ will bring up a list of divorce attorneys offering services in your area. This is a great starting point. 

If you have more specific requirements based on your objectives, try using these search terms to see if there is someone specializing in cases like yours. Remember that search engine results aren’t necessarily based on the quality of service, so you need to use your own powers of deduction. 

Create a Shortlist

From your research, choose your top 3 divorce lawyer choices. This can be based on independent reviews, pricing, location, or just a feeling of confidence that you get from their website. 

Make contact with them and arrange a time to discuss your case. 

Meet and Interview

Whether you meet in person or have a phone consultation, you need to prepare to discuss your divorce. Ask your potential divorce attorney about their family law experience and whether they’ve handled similar cases. 

Also, consider how they make you feel – do they show empathy? Are they communicating with transparency? Do you feel you can trust them?

Decision Time

The next step is to decide who you want to work with. It’s ok to take some time to think about this. After all, this is a big life decision with significant potential consequences. 

If you’re having difficulty choosing, call in a friend or family member to be a sounding board. They may be able to help you arrive at a point of clarity and confidence in your decision.

Look To the Future

Nobody enters marriage with the idea that they may one day be signing divorce papers. However, taking the time to find the best divorce lawyer for you will make the process far less stressful. 

Follow these steps to get things underway. For more information on how we can help you move onto the next chapter, contact us today.