When attempting to find an attorney to represent you or a mediator to oversee the proceedings of your divorce, you likely will not be short of options in Orange County. But how are you supposed to know which one is the right choice for your case? This is an important decision, but can also become stressful if you are having a hard time choosing.
Fortunately, there are a few key things to look for which can narrow down your choices greatly, and help you possibly find the perfect match for your needs. For this reason, we offer you a few tips that can greatly benefit you in making your selection.
What Is Their Practice Like?
When your life is about to dramatically change due to a divorce case, you want to make sure your attorney or mediator is both experienced and knowledgeable. This makes it pivotal to select an attorney who focuses specifically on divorce and family law. General-practice lawyers know a little bit about many types of law, but often do not have the detailed knowledge or experience of a focused practitioner, meaning you could potentially find them inadequate for your needs once they begin working on your case.
The size of the firm they come from is also critical. Both small and large firms have benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider which one you want to opt for. Large firms usually have a large caseload, meaning your case may not get the attention it really deserves. But on the plus side, they have several lawyers on staff so each attorney has a massive experience and knowledge base to draw from. Small firms usually offer highly-personalized attention and service, but may not have the same amount of resources at their disposal.
Read Online Reviews
All attorneys will attempt to market themselves as a leader and top choice for their practice area in their geographic region. But who is telling the truth about being a good lawyer? The easiest way to find out: read what their former clients have to say. Online review sites, such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and even Facebook will all give you a clear picture as to what some clients have experienced by retaining that particular attorney. Lawyer-specific peer-rating companies such as Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell®, and Super Lawyers are also great resources for finding out what other legal professionals think of them.
Consider the Cost
It’s no secret that a divorce can cost you thousands of dollars in court fees, attorney fees, and numerous other expenditures. Therefore, it is important to hire a mediator or attorney that isn’t going to drain you of all of your financial resources.
That being said, you also don’t necessarily want to take a low-cost route. Low-cost divorce firms are usually staffed with under-qualified personnel who cannot handle a complicated case and that could leave you dramatically worse-off. If you are unsure of your ability to afford the retainer fee of a highly-qualified attorney or mediator, let them know during the initial consultation. Many firms will work with their clients to create payment plans if necessary.
If you are pursuing a divorce and need assistance with the mediation process, call Alternative Divorce Solutions today. Lani Baron, Attorney Mediator, is highly experienced in helping couples examine all of their options during the divorce process, creating a highly-individualized approach that allows couples to split on their own terms, and ultimately end their marriage in a way that leaves them both happy with their new circumstances. Trust your case to our Orange County divorce mediator today!
Call Alternative Divorce Solutions by dialing 949-368-2121 to schedule a free, one-hour initial consultation for your family’s needs.