How Do I Pick the Right Attorney For Me?

One of the first questions you might ask yourself when you are searching for an attorney is “how do I know which attorney I’ll work the best with?” or “who will align with me and get me the best results in my case?” This is a very important question to consider because if you and your attorney don’t align then you might not be satisfied with their service or your end result. We never want that to be the case. Here are a few criteria to consider when deciding what attorney to hire to make sure that you and your attorney will be the best fit together.

 

Personality –

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding on hiring an attorney is how their personality would work with yours. When you are going through a divorce, you will end up sharing some of the most important and private details of your life with your attorney. Finding someone who complements you and can be a good partner is a key component to a successful attorney-client relationship.

Situation –

Another very important factor to consider when finding the right attorney is your specific situation. Every attorney has their strengths and areas of family law they practice more than others. If your case is very complex, you might look for an attorney who has more experience handling complex cases. On the other hand, if your situation is a very emotional one, it might be best to find a more empathetic attorney that you feel you can talk to and connect with for support. Another example would be if there is a lot of contention between you and your ex; in this case, you might be looking for a more aggressive attorney that will fight for you in times that get tense. Every situation is different, therefore it is key to find an attorney that will represent you in the way you need to be represented to achieve the most successful result in the end.

Cost –

Lastly, one thing to always keep in mind is how much you can afford when hiring an attorney. Of course, this always depends on each individual case and what you need the attorney to help you with. One of the most important factors that can affect the cost of your case is how contentious the separation is. If you and your ex can agree on most things through mediation, this will keep costs down compared to a case that goes to court. Another factor is what services you need legal help with. In some cases, you may only need unbundled legal services, but other cases will require full representation.

 

Finding an attorney with the right mix of personality, experience, and cost to help you with your divorce case is an important step in the divorce process. At Divorce Matters, we understand the importance of this decision. We match our clients with our attorneys based on all of these considerations, to ensure we deliver the best possible legal representation to every client.

If you’d like to get to know more about our attorneys visit their profiles here.

When Would I Need a Collaborative Divorce Lawyer?

Collaborative Divorce: What You Need to Know

Divorce can often be a difficult, emotionally charged process, but it doesn’t always have to end in courtroom drama. More and more couples are choosing to settle their differences outside of court, and one of the most popular alternatives is a collaborative divorce. A collaborative divorce allows both parties to work together with their lawyers to come to an agreement on key issues without the need for a judge to intervene. This blog will help you understand collaborative divorce, its benefits and drawbacks, if it’s the right choice for you, and how to contact a collaborative divorce lawyer at Divorce Matters®.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

A collaborative divorce is a form of divorce in which both spouses and their respective attorneys work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement without going to court. The process is designed to be amicable, allowing both parties to settle their differences respectfully and constructively. In a collaborative divorce, the couple works together, along with a collaborative divorce lawyer, to resolve issues such as asset division, child custody, and support arrangements.

A collaborative divorce is similar to mediation, with both parties looking to settle outside of court. However, each party is represented by a collaborative divorce lawyer, who is available to offer advice and help the parties reach an agreement. If the process is not working, however, the lawyers must withdraw. The parties must then choose new lawyers and go through a traditional divorce.

The Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for many couples who want to avoid the contentiousness of a traditional divorce. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Speed and Flexibility

Since the process takes place outside of the courtroom, there is no need to wait for court dates or be bound by the court’s schedule. This flexibility allows for a more efficient process, helping both parties move forward with their lives.

2. Control Over the Outcome

In a collaborative divorce, both spouses have the opportunity to actively participate in the decision-making process, giving them more control over the outcome. Unlike a court trial where a judge makes the final decisions, in a collaborative divorce, the couple has the power to agree on asset division, child custody arrangements, and other critical issues that affect their future.

3. Reduced Emotional Stress

Collaborative divorce is designed to be less confrontational than traditional divorce proceedings. By focusing on cooperation rather than competition, the process can reduce the emotional toll on both parties. This is particularly beneficial if you have children and want to minimize the impact of the divorce on them. A more amicable process can help preserve the relationship between the spouses, making it easier to co-parent in the future.

4. Confidentiality

Collaborative divorce proceedings are private, unlike court trials which are a matter of public record. This allows both spouses to discuss sensitive issues without the fear of their matters becoming public knowledge.

Disadvantages of Collaborative Divorce

While a collaborative divorce can be an excellent choice for many couples, it is not the right option for everyone. There are some potential disadvantages and risks that you should be aware of before deciding whether to proceed with this approach.

1. Not Suitable for High-Conflict Couples

A collaborative divorce requires both parties to work together in a cooperative manner. If you and your spouse are unable to communicate effectively or if there is significant conflict, the process may not be successful.

2. Power Imbalances

There is also the concern that in a collaborative divorce, cases of domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse will go unnoticed. People in these categories are often unable to make sound decisions, so this could lead to one party making decisions and receiving a greater share of the assets.

3. Full Disclosure Is Required

In a collaborative divorce, both parties are required to fully disclose all assets, debts, and financial information. While this promotes transparency, it can be a challenge. Many people hide larger assets so they cannot be split in a divorce, so this can be an issue. Both spouses also must work to communicate openly and honestly.

4. Potential for Disruption

If the process fails and the parties are unable to come to an agreement, each collaborative divorce lawyer must withdraw from the case. The couple will then need to start over with new attorneys and may have to go through a lengthy and costly traditional divorce. This risk should be carefully considered before deciding whether to proceed with a collaborative divorce.

5. Potential Expenses

While collaborative divorce does save some money by not entering the courtroom, there are other costs that can come up. These include the cost of hiring a psychologist to help decide the best interests of children or hiring a financial planner to help determine how to divide assets.

Deciding if Collaborative Divorce Is Right for You

So, how do you know if a collaborative divorce is the right choice for your situation? Here are some factors to consider:

  • Willingness to Cooperate: If you and your spouse can communicate openly and are willing to work together to find a mutually beneficial solution, a collaborative divorce may be a good fit. If there is an ongoing conflict or a lack of trust, it may be difficult to make the process work.
  • Desire for Control: A collaborative divorce allows both parties to have more control over the outcome. If you want to avoid a judge making decisions about your life, collaborative divorce allows you to shape your future.
  • Financial and Emotional Considerations: A collaborative divorce tends to be faster and less expensive than a traditional divorce, making it a more financially viable option. Additionally, the less-adversarial nature of the process can reduce emotional stress, which can be particularly important if children are involved.
  • Safety and Fairness: If there are concerns about domestic violence or other power imbalances, it is important to assess whether collaborative divorce is safe and fair for both parties. If one spouse feels threatened or coerced, other options, such as traditional litigation, may be necessary.

A collaborative divorce is a good choice for couples who are willing to cooperate. However, divorce brings out heightened emotions, and if working together with your spouse doesn’t sound possible, a collaborative divorce may not work for you.

Conclusion

A collaborative divorce can be beneficial for many divorcing couples, but it’s not the ideal solution for everyone. The attorneys at Divorce Matters® can pair you with a collaborative divorce lawyer to determine if this solution is right for you. Collaborative law has its limits, but if you want to avoid going to court and feel that you and your spouse can agree on key issues, it may work for you.

If you’re wondering if collaborative divorce is the right way to go, consult with an experienced collaborative divorce lawyer to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.