Tips to Find the Best Illinois Divorce Attorney for You

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Illinois family law attorney

Making the decision to get divorced is not one that comes easily to most people. A marriage does not break down overnight -- it takes months or even years to reach the point of no return for most divorcing couples. Once you have made the decision to get a divorce, the first step in what is often a long process is figuring out how you will go about the divorce and which divorce lawyer is right for you. Shopping for a divorce lawyer is a lot like shopping for a car -- they are not cheap, so it is important that you make your decision with care and thorough knowledge. If you are beginning the process of finding a divorce lawyer that would be a good fit for your family, here are a few tips that can help guide you:

Determine What You Need

Before you even contact any lawyers, you should figure out what exactly you are looking for in a divorce attorney. Which specific needs do you have? Is your divorce contested or is it straightforward? Do you need an attorney who especially experienced in certain parts of family law, such as child custody? Are you looking for an attorney with experience dealing with collaborative divorces, mediation or traditional divorces? Determining your needs can help determine what kind of lawyer you need.

Figure Out Your Budget

Another factor to consider is cost. Attorneys all have different hourly rates and retainer fees. For the most part, more established and experienced attorneys will have higher hourly rates and retainer fees. If cost is a concern to you, figure out your budget and then shop for attorneys who are in your price range.

Know Which Questions to Ask

Before you hire a divorce lawyer, you will want to meet in person with at least a couple of lawyers. This allows you to begin to understand the type of person each attorney is and will allow you to find the best fit for your family. It also allows you to ask the attorney questions before you hire them, which can help you get a feel for the attorney and how they will handle your case. During the initial meeting, try to ask the attorney:

• If he or she specializes in a certain area of family law;
• What he or she thinks of your case and how you should proceed;
• If they have experience dealing with trials; and
• What their fee structure is, how much the retainer is and whether or not they offer payment plans.

Hire a Batavia Divorce Lawyer to Represent You

Searching for a divorce lawyer can be a stressful and confusing process. There are tons of options out there, but at the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we are confident that we can tackle any issue you may need help with. Our compassionate DuPage County divorce attorney has more than 15 years of experience helping families through the divorce process. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 to inquire about setting up an initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/gpsolo/publications/gpsolo_ereport/2014/december_2014/divorce_first_step_finding_the_right_lawyer/

http://aaml.org/library/publications/415/divorce-manual-client-handbook/5-selecting-divorce-lawyer

https://www.rd.com/advice/relationships/divorce-lawyer/