A good divorce lawyer is local, professional, knowledgeable and responsive. They help you understand the process and educate you throughout the case, are respectful of your privacy, communicate well and solve problems creatively.
It is important to interview multiple divorce attorneys, especially during the consultation. This gives you a chance to hear different perspectives on your case and helps you find an attorney that fits your style.
During the consultation you should expect the attorney to ask questions about your situation and goals. It is also important to ask the attorney about their approach and how they would recommend proceeding. This includes negotiating a settlement, mediation, going to trial and other methods of dispute resolution. You should also learn more about their experience and whether or not they specialize in family law.
You should avoid hiring an attorney that represents a close friend or relative of your spouse. This is a conflict of interest and can cause major problems in your divorce. It is also against ethical rules for an attorney to represent both sides in a divorce.
Be wary of any attorney that makes promises during the consultation, because there are no guarantees in divorce. It is also a red flag when an attorney talks poorly about other divorce attorneys or clients. They may also talk about high-profile cases or reveal confidential information based on those cases. Be sure to find out if they are only in it for the money or truly have your best interests in mind.