Choosing a divorce lawyer is similar to looking for a doctor.
You want a professional who will help you avoid unnecessary pain and expense. In my more than four decades of experience as a New York divorce lawyer, I have found that few of my clients would have benefited from a litigated divorce (that is a divorce through the court system). Until they came to me, many of them were unaware that they would be better served by a collaborative divorce or mediation.
In my initial meeting with a client, I think of myself as a diagnostician. Like a good doctor, I listen carefully and ask questions to deepen and broaden my understanding of the client’s unique set of circumstances.
Avoid Unnecessary Stress and Costs
A good doctor will recommend surgery only when other less drastic measures (e.g. physical therapy, diet, medication) haven’t worked, or just aren’t feasible. Likewise, good divorce lawyers will recommend initiating a divorce through the court system only if/when they determine that the facts and circumstances are such that court action is necessary, or that an out-of-court settlement is highly unlikely. A court action can be unnecessarily expensive and painful; a divorce lawyer skilled in conflict resolution and mediation can help you achieve a fair out-of-court settlement.
So, if you are in the process of choosing a divorce lawyer, think of the characteristics you would look for in a good doctor. Does the attorney ask you questions about your current situation, the relevant history of the marriage, your finances, your children, your values, and long-term goals? Are you satisfied that the attorney “gets” you, your unique circumstances, and your values? Only after gathering and understanding all of that information will a good attorney recommend the best way to proceed.
For more tips on choosing a divorce attorney, Click here: https://www.westchesterdivorcelawyer.com/choosing-a-divorce-attorney-why-hire-a-settlement-professional-2/
