How Can I Find the Right Divorce Lawyer in NC?
The difficult decision to seek a divorce leads to a series of other decisions you’ll need to make. The next important decision facing you is who to choose as your divorce attorney. Having a knowledgeable divorce attorney on your side can make a world of difference in divorce proceedings. Your finances or custody arrangements are on the line. You need an attorney who will look out for your best interests.
An attorney should listen to your concerns, show compassion, offer knowledgeable advice, and fight to protect your rights and assets. When seeking a divorce is the right course of action, consider finding an attorney who will address your needs and help you achieve your goals.
When You May Need a Divorce Lawyer
It’s natural to ask whether you really need a lawyer to handle your divorce. The reality is that it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as you decide that divorce is the proper step for you. Even in cases where both parties agree on a divorce, it is a good idea to have an attorney help you understand the long-term consequences of certain decisions and negotiate a separation agreement that protects your interests. In cases where there is more volatility, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable divorce attorney standing up for your interests.
Tips on How to Find a Divorce Lawyer
Consider these five tips when beginning the process of searching for a divorce lawyer:
Consider Your Goals
If you are contemplating divorce, give yourself some time to think about your goals. What is important to you? If you are concerned about the custody of your children, you will want to focus your attention on finding an attorney with experience handling child custody cases. If there are significant assets in dispute, you will need an attorney skilled at handling high-dollar divorce cases.
Do an Online Search for Attorneys in the Raleigh Area
Finding a divorce attorney can seem like a daunting challenge. Start with an online search of family law attorneys in the Raleigh area. Do a Google search to find attorneys near you. You can also search the North Carolina Bar Association website for a list of divorce lawyers. Read online reviews and look at each lawyer’s website.
Get Referrals
Ask friends and family members whose judgment you trust to recommend an attorney. If your best friend went through a divorce last year, ask about their experience. Did your friend feel comfortable with their attorney? Did they get the results they were expecting? A personal recommendation may help you determine if a particular family law attorney will suit your needs.
Request a Consultation
Once you have an attorney in mind based on your research and the recommendations you have gathered, then you can schedule a consultation to get a feel for an attorney’s communication style and whether you feel comfortable talking to the attorney. You may expect to pay a fee for the consultation.
A consultation gives you an idea of what to expect during the divorce process. You should think of the meeting as a job interview. You are interviewing the attorney to determine whether the two of you can work well together. Come to the consultation armed with questions to ask the lawyer. Ask about their experience and how their experience is relevant to your case. Other questions you will want to consider asking include:
- How often do they update clients about the status of their cases?
- Do they have experience with child custody cases?
- What is their fee structure?
- How many family law cases have they resolved?
- Will the attorney you are meeting with be the one to handle your case?
Trust Your Instincts
Trust is critical when it comes to the attorney-client relationship. Be wary of bold promises that seem too good to be true. An attorney should be offering you honest and straightforward advice about the realities of your case and the process ahead. A Raleigh divorce lawyer should also be understanding of the fact that this may be a difficult transition for you and offer their support.
If something felt off about your interaction or you felt uncomfortable, focus your efforts on finding another attorney. Be confident in your decision and move forward with determination.
About the Author
Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A.
At Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., our clients work closely with a legal team that is dedicated to providing outstanding client service and unflinching legal representation. The majority of our attorneys and support staff have worked with our firm for many years.
