Choosing the right attorney to help you with your Arizona divorce is hard work but it is also vitally important. This is why you should always take the time to do it properly. Before initiating any conversations with an attorney, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish. Is your matter relatively simple, like an uncontested divorce, where an attorney can help guide you through the process and prepare documentation correctly? Or has the relationship between you and your spouse deteriorated to the point that what you really need is someone who has extensive knowledge of Arizona’s family laws in order to advocate for the best outcome for you? Read below for tips on how to select a good family lawyer.

The Value of the Right Attorney

Even in the event that your divorce appears relatively simple, it is a mistake to assume that any lawyer with a basic understanding and good people skills could help you significantly. Knowing the exact type of legal services you need is helpful to narrow down your search of family lawyers as soon as you realize that you need help with your divorce.

Narrow your search by beginning to look at biographical information such as an attorney’s website. A website can tell you a great deal of information including whether the law firm in question has the expertise necessary to help you. You could also use search engines to check the internet in order to determine whether past clients have already reviewed this law firm so that you could get a sense of the individuals you are hiring to help you. Asking for referrals is another way to identify a law firm that has a solid reputation in your area of Arizona.

Setting Up an Initial Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your search to a list of a couple of lawyers, set up an initial meeting to discuss your next steps. You are not obligated to file for divorce if you set up an initial consultation with an Arizona divorce lawyer, but it is a good opportunity to get your questions answered and to learn what an attorney thinks may be the biggest challenges in your case. You may also find yourself consulting with more than one attorney and that is your right, as an educated party, to do. Simply having the opportunity to ask your questions can give you the chance to think about whether moving forward with divorce is the right thing to do at this time. During this initial meeting, make sure to come prepared with a notepad so that you can take notes about what to expect.

In addition to getting a general sense of the attorney’s demeanor and commitment to your case, be sure to ask who would be your main point of communication at the firm, how the fee structure works, and what would be needed to move forward your case if you did decide to get divorced. Since divorce can be an emotional and difficult process, taking physical notes is a good way to remind yourself later once you have made the decision about what family law attorney you will work with.  Having notes and the in-person experience can make it much easier when it comes to determining whether the attorney is the right fit.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding How to Select a Good Family Lawyer, or any other family law issue, please feel free to contact Sheri D. Shepard at 480.461.5300, log on to udallshumway.com, or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.