You are ready to file your divorce in Madison. Expectedly, you are trying to learn more about Alabama laws, but reading a few articles and searching on Google won’t be enough.
You need an experienced attorney to review the case, advise you on the unique circumstances, and suggest the steps that matter. If you are new to legal proceedings, you need to be cautious about choosing a divorce lawyer Madison. Here are some mistakes you need to avoid while sorting options.
- Choosing a do-it-all attorney: Your divorce may alter the entire graph of your life, and you don’t want to take chances. You don’t need an attorney who does everything from filing divorce paperwork to creating rental agreements. Choose a family lawyer who has experience in Alabama and is located in Madison. Specialization can make a big difference.
- Not going for a consultation: You can never know an attorney unless you meet them. While virtual meetings have almost been the norm since the pandemic, consider seeing the lawyer in their office. Go with your documents, including financial information and everything that’s relevant to the case. That allows the attorney to give tailored advice.
- Not discussing trial experience: If your divorce is a contested one, you have to be even more careful about choosing the right attorney. When your spouse doesn’t want to cooperate, or the divorce has major conflicts like child custody and alimony, you need a lawyer who can represent you in court. Not all divorce lawyers have that kind of experience.
- Not asking about their fee: The lawyer’s fee is another aspect you must discuss. You should know the retainer fee and hourly rates, which are largely based on the type of divorce you will have. For uncontested divorces, many law firms may accept a flat fee, but there are exceptions. If the lawyer has to be involved in mediation, they may charge more.
- Not checking reviews: Divorce lawyers may not always reference previous clients, as there is a privacy issue. However, you can learn more about law firms and divorce lawyers in Madison through an online search. Google listings may show ratings and reviews, while you can also refer to their social media page to learn more.
Final word
Take your time to research and shortlist a few divorce lawyers and consider whether they are interested and available to fight for your rights. Let an expert be your resource in these trying times.
