Divorce can be the most stressful event in a person’s lifetime. Aside from dissolving a marital relationship, it often marks the end to a certain lifestyle, faith in love, a child’s innocence, or a legacy. The assistance of a qualified divorce attorney becomes compulsory to resolve several legal issues and avoid conflicts; this helps speed up the proceedings and allow a smooth transition, which is tolerable if not painless. If you and your spouse are not on friendly terms, working through the divorce without a lawyer is a huge mistake. Seek the following qualities in the lawyer you choose to represent you in the case:
1. Competence
Make sure your lawyer possesses the license to practice law in your state and that family law is their niche. Their knowledge and expertise in the relevant field is integral to your success. Make enquiries about their previous cases or request a portfolio. Ask enough questions to perceive how much they know about local divorce laws.
2. Eminence
Years of experience are of no use if accompanied by a suspicious reputation and low success rate. Look out for reviews of the lawyer’s previous clients and other people in law enforcement. You will be at a disadvantage if your lawyer does nothing more than provide the necessary documentation.
3. Courtroom Experience
Not many divorce cases go to trial, but that does rule out the possibility. Many family lawyers are only inclined towards an out-of-court settlement, even if it goes against the interests of the client. An attorney with some courtroom experience is more capable of handling a complicated divorce; he/she shall strive to give you an edge in tricky matters, such as child custody, alimony, and child support.
4. Honesty
Your divorce lawyer must be someone you can trust and confide in. In return, they must be honest about your options in the case. Sugar coating the situation or giving false hopes does no good to anyone. When you and your lawyer are frank or candid with each other from the beginning, a messy finale is averted.
5. Compatibility
If you feel uncomfortable, coldshouldered, or neglected while speaking to a lawyer, walk away. The attorney you hire must be willing to understand you and emotionally invest in your case. When you and your lawyer are on the same page, the opposing party hardly stands a chance.
6. Objectivity
If you and your spouse cannot agree on anything, the divorce can turn into a prolonged legal battle. To overcome such anomalies, you need an attorney who can maintain neutrality. If everyone joins in the fight, the proceedings might continue for months or years.
7. Composure
Heated arguments, preposterous accusations, and aggressive behavior is expected when both parties have their differences. The best divorce lawyers know how to keep calm and act professionally under all circumstances.
8. People Skills
A lawyer’s job description implicates a lot of talking, hence good communication skills are entailed. A divorce attorney must possess excellent judgment of character, power of persuasion, active listening skills, and the ability to keep a discussion flowing.
9. Confidence
An assertive lawyer is a force to be reckoned with; he/she excels at negotiation and putting up convincing arguments. You need a divorce attorney who knows what they are doing and can become your pillar if your confidence waivers.
10. Problem Solving Skills
Division of assets and decisions involving childcare can raise a lot of concerns for both parties. Good divorce lawyers also play the role of an exceptional mediator. They can devise solutions that suit their client, without offending the other party. Lawyers with problem solving skills know how to lighten up the situation when things get out of control.