May 13, 2021How to Pick a Divorce Lawyer in Missouri
It’s sad when a marriage doesn’t work out, but often, divorce is the best option for the spouses and any children they might have. Even if your separation is completely amicable, you should look into hiring a divorce lawyer in Park Hills, MO. There are often complex property division and child custody issues that need to be worked out before you can go your separate ways.
Many people have never worked with an attorney before they get divorced, and as a result, they have no idea how to choose one. What makes a good attorney, and how can you tell before you shell out money for a retainer?
Here are our best tips for finding the right divorce attorney to assist with your case.
Finding divorce lawyers to interview
If you have friends or family members who have gotten divorced, it’s worth asking who they used and whether they were happy with the outcome. (You might even know the answer to the latter question already.) Ask them about both the good and bad aspects: Did their lawyer communicate with them adequately? Were they aware of what was happening in the case at any given time? If they got a disappointing outcome, did the attorney explain what happened and why, and whether there was anything else they could do to mitigate it? The answers to these questions can let you know what to expect if you work with the same person.
When you don’t know anyone with firsthand experience, you can always call the Missouri State Bar. State Bar Associations are happy to refer people to attorneys in specific practice areas. They’re the regulatory agency for Missouri attorneys, so they’ll know who practices family law in Park Hills, MO and whether they have a clean disciplinary record.
Finally, you can turn to the internet for help. Google searches and review websites can give you some insight into who might be available in your area, and if their clients are generally happy.
What to ask potential attorneys
Once you’ve selected a few promising candidates, ask for an initial consultation. The lawyer will ask you questions about your case—and in turn, you can ask them questions. Find out how long that lawyer has been practicing family law, whether they’ve handled similar cases and, in their opinion, what you can expect from your case.
It’s also important to ask how they handle lawyer-client relations. Will they call you when something happens in your case, or are you expected to initiate contact? Are they willing to explain why something is happening? Will they prepare you for any court dates ahead of time? How do they prefer to handle payments? Do they take retainers? Do they accept credit cards, checks or other forms of payment?
Once you have the answers to these questions, go with the attorney whose approach you trust most.
When you’re ready to hire a divorce attorney in Park Hills, MO, get in touch with Maynard & Joyce, LLC for a consultation.