Divorce is never easy. It can be one of the most challenging experiences a person can go through, both emotionally and legally. That’s why it’s crucial to have a good family lawyer on your side throughout the process. But how do you find one? Here are six steps you should follow when searching for a family lawyer in Michigan.
Ask for Referrals
The first step is to ask for referrals. Talk to your friends and family members who have gone through a divorce and ask which family lawyer they worked with. Ask how their experience was with the lawyer and whether they would recommend them. You can also read online reviews, but keep in mind that negative reviews are more likely to be written than positive ones.
Look for Experience
Once you have a shortlist of potential family lawyers, it’s time to start looking at their experience. Ideally, you want to work with someone who has at least ten years of experience in family law. You also want to make sure your lawyer has trial experience. Although it’s not the ideal scenario, sometimes divorces wind up getting settled in court. If that happens, you want to make sure your lawyer has the experience needed to represent you well.
Find a Specialist
When looking at different family lawyers, you’re going to see some “general practitioners.” These lawyers practice in all areas of law, and family law may well be on that list. However, it’s best to choose a lawyer who specializes in family law in Michigan. They will be intimately familiar with the latest developments in Michigan family law, including new precedents that may impact your case. You want that level of expertise on your side when it comes to negotiating the terms of your divorce.
Pick Someone You Trust
It’s crucial to trust your lawyer and be able to develop a good rapport with them. You can hire the best attorney in the state, but if you don’t trust that they’re working for your best interests, all their experience won’t matter. During your interviews with potential lawyers, pay attention to how you feel around them. Do they make you feel relaxed and reassured, like they’re someone you could trust? This may not be the number-one most important factor, but if you wind up trying to choose between two close options, it can tip the scales.
Talk Money
Once you’ve found the lawyer you want to work with, it’s time to talk about money. Sit down with your lawyer and ask them how much they’ll charge and what sort of structure they’ll use. Many lawyers charge by the hour, but some may offer a divorce “package” that sets a flat fee. It’s also a good idea to check what’s covered in your lawyer’s charges. Will they charge you their hourly rate for responding to emails and phone calls? Do they charge extra for postage and mileage, and if they offer a package fee, does that include research time or will that be billed separately?
Discuss Details
In addition to sorting out the money with your lawyer, it’s a good idea to discuss some of the details of how your case will get handled. Figure out who your point (or points) of contact will be and how often you can expect to hear from them. Ask how you can get in touch with them, including whether they prefer phone calls or emails. And check on how they’ll manage unexpected problems when they inevitably show up in the case.
Finding the right family lawyer for you is crucial during a divorce. Follow these six steps, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a good family lawyer in Michigan. Remember to ask for referrals, look for experience, find a specialist, pick someone you trust, talk money, and discuss details. Divorce is a difficult time, but having a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
One of the key benefits of hiring a good family lawyer in Michigan is that they can help you navigate the legal system. Divorce involves many complex issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. A good family lawyer can guide you through each of these issues, explaining your rights and options and helping you make informed decisions.
In addition to providing legal guidance, a family lawyer can also be a valuable source of emotional support. Going through a divorce can be incredibly stressful and emotional, and it can be helpful to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through. A good family lawyer will listen to your concerns and provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time.
Another benefit of hiring a good family lawyer in Michigan is that they can help you achieve a fair and favorable outcome. Your lawyer will work with you to identify your goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. They will negotiate with your spouse’s lawyer on your behalf, and if necessary, represent you in court. With their expertise and experience, they can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your high asset divorce case.
Hiring a good family lawyer is essential during a divorce. They can provide you with legal guidance, emotional support, and help you achieve a fair and favorable outcome. If you’re going through a divorce in Michigan, take the time to find a good family lawyer who can help you through this difficult time.
