Choosing a Solicitor to Manage Your Divorce

Looking for Choices

Even if you are in a tearing hurry to get the divorce over and done with, the friendly and eager young apprentice may not be the best idea just because he ‘looks’ honest. The internet lists hundreds of law firms and attorneys who are specialists; there are the yellow pages and newspaper classifieds. Several law associations offer their databases on the net, and it may not be such a bad idea to ask friends or family. There are counsellors and help cells attached with a few universities as well, who may be able to recommend someone reliable.

Research

It is definitely wise to read up on the laws before approaching the attorney. The internet offers a lot of material, much of it repackaged in attractive language. One should be careful, though, not to be tricked into paying for what is available for free. All divorce documents may be obtained free of cost at local courts in any region of the UK, and can be downloaded from the Court Service website. However, some sites actually fill in these forms for a nominal charge and are probably the most economic options.

Specialist Knowledge

This is of utmost importance in family law. Thorough domain knowledge is a greater benefit than a wide but surface-level survey. The correct lawyer will be a family law specialist with enough experience and a successful but clean track record. It is a good idea to check up on a few former clients, and testimonials are provided by attorneys who have nothing negative to hide.

Within Reach

While the internet has made meeting a human attorney in person optional now, the person in question must be contactable. A lawyer who does not want to receive calls (ever) or answer his mails is also not dependable. Your divorce may turn out to be the most amicable and smooth settlement in all of Britain, but would you want to be stranded in case of an emergency? An attorney, like a doctor, is supposed to be answerable, and do not trust someone whose existence is proved by an answering machine only, or is forever represented by a secretary. On the other hand, attorneys are busy people; do not spend hours telling them of your grief, you will be charged for it.

Does He Listen?

Be it through emails, phones, physical visits or even the informal internet chat, a good attorney is also a good listener. No matter how busy he is, a patient hearing is what you are paying for. If he does not know your case properly, chances are that he does not value it much either. Please do not be shy to discuss your financial position, terms of the agreement, and any problems which may complicate the divorce.

Credentials

Please check the attorney out properly before making up a deed with him. The trial visit is usually free, but even if a charge is deducted, it would stop a penny-wise pound-foolish decision from being implemented.

1. Please ask for and check the accreditation certificate properly. It would be terrible to be caught in the web of a glibly talking conman or even a quack. Please do not be swept away by friendliness or sales pitches – checking that certificate must not be stalled.
2. Things like fee structure, other costs entailed etc. should be totally cleared out in writing and verbally too. If you are going for a package deal make sure others have done that before you. Specify each point that does not seem water-tight enough.
3. Young attorneys, fresh from school, can be brilliant people. But it may be better to find out a lawyer who is either a veteran, or is at least experienced, or belongs to a law firm.

Does your Attorney Customise for You?

Divorce, like marriage, is an intensely individualised area. The attorney must recognise the areas where your case needs to be customised. If you feel he is generalising too much, move out.

About the Author:
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information about using online services to get a Divorce see www.managed-divorce.co.uk
Article Source: Articles4Free.com