Finding a Good Divorce Lawyer

Finding a good divorce lawyer, like finding any good lawyer, may take some research. There are a variety of methods to find a lawyer that don't resort to calling those numbers you might see on TV.

The first, and potentially most reliable method, is to speak to friends and family and contact the lawyer they prefer. Family lawyers are more inclined to give your divorce personal attention, and you may even be able to get a discount on their services. If your family's lawyer does not handle divorces, ask them for a referral to another trusted lawyer who does divorces. However, don't simply take the word of others as the sole basis of judgment when finding a good divorce lawyer. Instead, contact the lawyer and establish what the lawyer can do for you. A good lawyer should have some additional references, but don't rely on guarantees, as guarantees don't really hold up in the court room.

Another method used when finding a good lawyer is to consult an online website like Avvo.com. Avvo.com allows users to review lawyers, and also offers some legal advice. In addition to allowing users to review lawyers on their site, the site also shows lawyers' contact information, licensing history, educational history, and citations the lawyer may have received in the course of his or her career. This information can help individuals make an educated guess at which lawyer is right for him or her.

Regardless of way in which you find a divorce lawyer, determining whether you will hire him or her largely depends on the lawyer's behavior upon contact. Lawyers who are prompt, reliable, and easy to speak to are often best suited for the job. A good lawyer may even be able to tell you when to get a divorce depending on the state of your finances and family life.