Hiring a lawyer to handle your divorce is a significant decision. You need an experienced lawyer if you are leaving a marriage with kids, assets, and debts that must be sorted. Beyond this, you will decide to hire a wilmington divorce attorney based on their previous clients, communication skills, and consultation fees. Given the confusion that surrounds divorce proceedings and lingering emotions, here’s what you should consider when hiring a divorce attorney:
Experience
A great divorce attorney has significant experience in handling divorce cases in Wilmington. An experienced lawyer knows what to expect from the judges and use this knowledge to your advantage. Ensure you choose an attorney who practices mainly in the field of divorce or family law.
Client Testimonials
To decide which attorney to hire, find out what their previous clients have to say about them. You can ask the attorney for a list of clients you can contact. Or you can call the state’s bar association to know if any previous clients have filed grievances against the lawyer.
Level of Communication
You will want to hire an attorney you can easily access and respond to your phone calls, requests for meetings, or emails promptly. You can ask the lawyer about their office policy or ask their former clients about this. Ensure you will be satisfied with the attorney’s level of communication and the connection you have with them.
Attorney’s Fees
When you consult with a divorce lawyer, ask about a consultation fee. Most lawyers offer it for free but others charge between $100 and $200 or an hourly rate. Ask the lawyer about the upfront retainer, whether they will refund any portion of that retainer, and how often they will send invoices that detail their hourly charges and expenses.
