How to Find a Divorce Lawyer | Roberta Kyselka Sarkis

The process of finding a divorce lawyer can feel overwhelming, but selecting the right one is crucial for navigating your divorce successfully. A good lawyer can protect your rights, offer sound advice, and guide you toward a fair resolution. We provide practical steps to help you in your search.

Strategies for Locating Qualified Divorce Attorneys

Several avenues can lead you to competent legal representation. We suggest a multi-pronged approach to identify potential candidates.

Seek Referrals and Recommendations

Ask for recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues who have gone through a divorce. Personal referrals can provide insights into a lawyer's style and effectiveness. You can also ask other professionals you trust, like your accountant or therapist, if they can recommend family law attorneys. We find that word-of-mouth is often a reliable starting point.

Local and state bar associations often have lawyer referral services. These services can connect you with attorneys in your area who specialize in family law. We recommend checking your local bar association's website for such resources.

Utilize Online Resources and Legal Directories

Online legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and FindLaw allow you to search for divorce lawyers by location and specialty. These platforms often include lawyer profiles, client reviews, and peer endorsements. We advise you to use these tools to create a shortlist of potential attorneys and to cross-reference information.

Many law firms have informative websites detailing their practice areas, attorney bios, and client testimonials. Review these websites to get a feel for the firm's approach and experience. We believe a professional online presence can be indicative of a firm's overall professionalism.

Schedule Consultations and Ask Key Questions

Once you have a shortlist, schedule initial consultations (many offer free or low-cost ones). This is your chance to interview the lawyer. Prepare questions about their experience with cases like yours, their approach to negotiation vs. litigation, their fee structure, and who would be handling your case. We stress the importance of assessing your comfort level and their communication style.

Look for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, communicative, and empathetic, but also one who can be a strong advocate for your interests. Trust your instincts. We encourage you to choose an attorney you feel confident in and comfortable with, as you will be working closely with them during a challenging time.