When are contemplating filing for divorce, you need to retain an experienced Virginia divorce attorney to look out for your interests and help you reach a fair settlement with your spouse. In order to find the perfect attorney, you can obtain referrals from attorneys, friends, family, and co-workers. You can also do an Internet search for family law attorneys. An important part of your research should include looking at the attorneys’ websites, if they have one, to see if they have any informative articles on divorce in Virginia. Another crucial step you want to take before making a final decision is to interview your prospective attorneys.
What Questions Should You Ask When Interviewing an Attorney?
Most attorneys will offer a free initial consultation. You should take advantage of this opportunity to obtain legal advice about your situation and interview attorneys. Pick your top two to three attorneys and schedule appointments. When meeting with a potential attorney, keep in mind that you are looking for someone who has a track record of success both in settling and trying these cases. You also want to hire a person that you communicate well with and that you trust.
You need to come to your appointment prepared and organized because the attorney will probably have scheduled only 30 to 45 minutes for your appointment, and the time will go fast. Here are some questions to prepare and take when you meet with your attorney:
- How long have you practiced family law and how much of your practice are divorce cases?
- How do you see the property settlement, child custody, and child support issues in my divorce being resolved, and how long will it take for my divorce to be completed?
- How long will it take for you to return my call or respond to an email? How do you prefer to communicate?
- Will anyone else be working on my case other than you? Can I meet them?
- What are your fees for handling my divorce case? How will I be billed? Will I need to pay a retainer up front?
- What other costs will I be charged, such as court filing, expert, and private investigator fees?
- Will you permit me to negotiate directly with my spouse? Can my spouse and I agree to go to mediation rather than a trial?
- Have you taken any divorce cases to trial? How many? What was the outcome?
Do you need to retain a divorce attorney? Call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to learn about our experience in family law matters and how we can help you.
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