Follow These Tips To Hire The Right Divorce Lawyer For You!
Hiring the “right” divorce lawyer for you is critically important. I have written about it several times on this blog over the years. Not a whole lot has changed since my first series of Articles in December 2007 and January 2008. Click here to read the version I merged and reposted on March 3, 2018.
What has changed I believe is the increasing number of cases where parties hire and fire several lawyers who have represent them. I have one case going now where the wife is on her fourth lawyer and the case is over 2 years old. I also have several others where I am the second lawyer involved. So, I have spent some time recently reflecting upon this seemingly “new” dynamic. Obviously, each case has its own fact pattern to support the change in counsel, but it reinforces my opinion even more about the importance of dhiring the “right” lawyer at the start of your divorce representation.
Consequences of Not Hiring the “Right” Divorce Lawyer Initially
- Communication Styles Don’t Mesh
A typical divorce can routinely take easily 6 to 9 months to complete. Ones with emotional or complex issues can take significantly longer. Spending more time completing a thorough “due diligence” investigation at the beginning could probably eliminate Clients from making many hiring mistakes. It seems that a frequent problem area is communications. Be sure to flesh out how you and the possible lawyer you are interviewing mesh in terms of communication styles. I for one encourage emails and respond to client emails and texts quickly (frequently even after hours and weekends). Many times I can shoot a quick response or suggest a phone conference to work through the concerns. Many lawyers approach this differently and will communicate with clients generally via letter or through their paralegal or administrative staff. I have found for some clients that my being able to respond quickly to questions avoids some problems and provides the client comfort and assurance. So, figure out at the beginning what level/style of communications with your lawyer will work best for you.
I also try to make it a practice to first send a draft of any substantive letters or pleadings to my client to review for correctness and tone. This, of course, has the added benefit of keeping them informed about their case and what is going on. Do you want that type of involvement, or do you just want to leave it to the lawyer to “protect” you and more generally keep you in the loop?
- Wasting Money and Time
Having to fire or replace the first lawyer will no doubt cost you a great deal of money. Lawyer number 2 will have to pretty much start over to catch up to speed even after obtaining the entire file of lawyer number 1. Likely lawyer number 2 will want to request additional discovery and implement his/her own strategy to move the case towards resolution. So, the review, implementation of new tactics and strategy will likely add months (if not more) to completing your case.
- It Usually is a Mistake if You Don’t Follow the Advice of Your Lawyer
Building a client’s trust is a process that typically takes time. Good communication with your lawyer is one key ingredient. It takes both you and the lawyer to partner together to accomplish that. If you have had a lawyer with a style with whom you can communicate with well and can build upon that relationship, hopefully you can better appreciate your lawyer’s advice, even if it is disappointing and not what you had hoped.
If you are a doctor, accountant, engineer, lawyer or other well-educated professional, please realize the training and experience of a well-seasoned divorce lawyer is incredibly valuable. He/she likely has litigated similar issues many times in the past and understands the law and has a “feel” for positions that your trial Judge would likely take if having to decide the case. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO YOUR LAWYER’S ADVICE.
- Pick Your Battles
I typically ask my clients to give me a list of their divorce priorities and goals at the start of the case. In my mind, this is important for several reasons. It helps focus me (and the client) on the key issues. Invariably, as emotions flare and the jousting commences there is often a tendency to fight every issues and dig one’s heels in. It is unnecessary (and very expensive) to dive deep into the “weeds” on every issue!
The cost and time to do all the discovery and fight every small issue can be HUGE! Divorce is not like a sporting event with a winner and loser. Clients that want to win at all costs usually end up unhappy for one reason or another. So, I say often, “Let’s focus on your priorities you listed at the start” and implement objectives and strategies to accomplish them. Figure out before hiring your lawyer if your approaches to battle mesh.
- Conclusion
Not every experienced divorce lawyer is a “good match” with every client. Ask your lawyer candidate a lot of questions. Find the “right” one for you. You will be happy that you did!
Experienced, Trusted and Professional Dayton Divorce Lawyers
Our experienced Dayton divorce lawyers at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues can assist you with your divorce or dissolution related issues. To learn more, please go to our website at www.hcmmlaw.com or call us at 937 293-2141. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to assisting you!
Please consider joining or following us!
© 2023, Ohio Family Law Blog. All rights reserved.
Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
