Probably the most important decision you will make when you’re going through a divorce is the choice of who will represent you. You want your divorce lawyer to do the best job possible for you, so you first need to decide the type of attorney you’ll need — a tough litigator if things are going to get nasty, or an attorney who can get things done quickly? How important is it to you that your lawyer is compatible with you — someone who understands your feelings about the divorce?
It falls to you to do your due diligence when choosing a divorce lawyer, so take your time and follow these tips to find someone who:
- Is licensed to practice family law in New Jersey.
- Has experience with and can recommend other professionals to assist with your case, like forensic accountants, financial consultants, etc.
- Has handled a lot of New Jersey divorce cases and has an excellent knowledge of divorce law.
- Is skilled at negotiating, so it may be possible to settle your divorce without a costly court fight.
- Is someone you are comfortable with sharing the intimate details of your life with, as your attorney must know all the pertinent facts of your married life to do the best possible job for you.
- Is practical and will advise you if a settlement offer is fair instead of encouraging you to prolong the case in order to satisfy a need for revenge.
- Is candid about what the divorce will cost you, will identify any problem areas he or she sees with your case, and can share with you how your case is likely to resolve based on their years of experience.
- Is dedicated solely to protecting your best interests. It’s not a good idea to share a divorce lawyer with your soon-to-be ex. Nor should you hire a friend.
There are unique issues in every divorce, so you should look for an attorney who has experience in the specific issues that may come up in your divorce. For example:
Custody issues. If there will be a big fight over custody, make sure your attorney has a focus on child custody issues.
Business ownership. If you and/or your ex own a business, it’s important to have an attorney with business knowledge and who has resources like business valuation experts and forensic accountants.
Complex assets. If your divorce involves the division of complex assets like an art collection, jewelry, multiple properties and/or real estate in other states or countries, look for a lawyer with experience in high net worth divorces.
Because the outcome of your divorce will change your life, you should invest the time to find the lawyer who will do the best possible job for you by interviewing several attorneys before making a final decision. Remember that it is up to you to find the right lawyer to represent you — one that is not only good at what they do, but who is compatible with your outlook and personality.
At Cistaro Law, we are not only concerned with your divorce today, but also with your quality of life long after your case is over. Your family law issues deserve to be managed with dignity and respect. You can prepare to civilly resolve your divorce, heal, and move on with your life with a legal team that has helped individuals all over New Jersey to heal and prosper. Contact us today for your free consultation.