If you have to employ the services of a divorce lawyer, then you need to be confident they have suitable experience, they are there when you need them and have the right attitude for the task. The best attorney to employ is one who for at least half their time is dealing with divorce cases and is fully skilled in mediation techniques. It also follows that you feel comfortable with them and feel confident they will serve you well.
Attorneys that tend to follow the mediation route are good at giving settlement advice but you may need an attorney who is more familiar with courtroom settlements. Although there will be tasks you need to perform on your own, if you need to speak to your divorce lawyer, write down exactly what help you want from them.
Costs are always an issue so write down everything you want to ask and in a logical order always making sure there is an accurate record of times dates and the duration of conversations. Keep a file for all your notes, letters and documents so do as much as possible on the phone and by mail to keep the office time at a minimum.
Your attorney is there for advice and any foreseeable legal actions so do not rely on them for anything but what you are paying them for, and especially not as a shoulder to cry on. Remember your divorce lawyer needs to remain detached and should not be involved in anything that is not directly related to the divorce case.
Being in control of your own case and your own life is the single best thing you can do, so it is essential that you have a lawyer who can work on that basis. Your legal representative must be told up front that while his or her advice is essential, all decisions regarding the divorce will be made by you. As the person paying for their service, you should expect to be sent copies of any relevant documents and if there are any issues that need to be clarified that a prompt response by them is expected.
Don’t think that you have to enter into proceedings armed with a lawyer in tow as they arent always necessary although you may wish to speak to one just for advice on a marital settlement for example. In these circumstances you may only need to write down any issues you are unsure about and speak to your lawyer regarding those, and possible outcomes. It is not uncommon for people to draw up their own marital settlements with the help of a divorce lawyer who is familiar with the case.