According to Arron Weems of Fox Rothschild LLP, “a good divorce lawyer is part lawyer, part psychologist and part clergy.” The problem is, lawyers study the law, they don’t study psychology and they haven’t been to a seminary. Finding a divorce lawyer who is able to be all three can be difficult but not impossible.
Your level of comfort will greatly depend on whether or not you hire a divorce lawyer who is able to play all three roles. The divorce process if ripe with legal, financial and emotional issues. A divorce lawyer who cares about his/her client understands this and is willing to go beyond the legal issues when dealing with a client.
Below are a few traits your divorce lawyer should have to enable you to have a high level of comfort:
- Your lawyer takes an interest in not only the legal issues but the problems in your marriage that lead to divorce.
- Your lawyer will be honest with you about the possible outcome of your divorce. A good attorney will not tell you what he/she thinks you want to hear. They will tell you what you need to hear so that you can be more prepared to move on with your life once the divorce is final.
- Your lawyer will respond within an appropriate period to any communication from you. That isn’t to say that your lawyer will welcome hearing from you daily but if you are reasonable with your need for communication your lawyer will respond reasonably.
- Your lawyer will be upfront about all fees associated with your divorce. A good divorce lawyer will require a retainer and a contract that spells out what the retainer covers. The contract will also be clear about any hourly charges once the retainer is depleted.
- Your lawyer will keep you updated about communication with the opposing counsel. He/she will go over, with you anything before filing documents with the court clerk. A lawyer who respects you will want your input before speaking for you with the courts.
The divorce process is far less stressful if you have a divorce lawyer you are comfortable with and trust to protect your legal divorce rights. The lawyer/client relationship is the most important you will form while going through a divorce. Make sure it is a relationship you are comfortable with.
