It’s normal to want to jump into a divorce without any type of net. After all, countless law office commercials and advertisements can’t be wrong, can they? Marketing feeds off of your fears and desires, but the final choice must be yours and yours alone. Make the wrong choice when it comes to your Michigan divorce, and you may be looking at years worth of financial and emotional stress after its finalized. Just because a law firm is good doesn’t mean it’ll be right for you. Here are some tips to consider when choosing the right Michigan divorce lawyer for your specific needs.
Listen to Family and Friends
Too much information can become an emotional overload when it comes to divorce. However, chances are you know at least one person who’s gone through a somewhat difficult divorce. Their experience can be priceless, especially if they live in your area. Ask them details about how their divorce was handled, for recommendations, and if they have any extra words of wisdom.
Be Realistic and Know What You Want
Understand that divorce is a process. Even though Michigan is a no-fault state, it still takes time to dissolve legal assets and resolve potential custody conditions. Your attorney’s sole job is to represent your needs and desires to the best of their ability. Emotional issues are charged extra, so you should seek alternative support for that. Your divorce attorney’s responsibility is to help ensure you’re financially stable and secure once the divorce is final. A good attorney won’t try to “beat” your spouse, make them homeless, or win a childish game.
Know exactly what you want out of the divorce. If your needs are extensive and/or involve custodial disagreements, traditional litigation is the way to go. If co-parenting and compromising is possible, a collaborative divorce may be the best option. And if your divorce isn’t complicated at all and you want it done as quickly as possible, mediation may be in the cards. A competent Michigan divorce lawyer can help you decide which option is best for your needs.
Research, Locate, and Interview
Don’t put your future happiness in the hands of a smartly written advertisement or singular suggestion. Do your research, locate potential solutions, and interview your selections. You should have at least three attorneys to consider. Focus on those who specialize in family law and who focuses on the type of divorce you think you need. The right Michigan divorce lawyer will have the knowledge, experience, and communication and negotiation skills to successfully serve you in court. Look for red flags during the interviews. Notice what they divulge about their clients and their level of respect when speaking of other attorneys. Also, notice how distracted they are during your consultation. Confidentiality, respect, and attention are crucial elements to ensuring your needs are handled correctly.
Make Your Final Choice
Your Michigan divorce attorney needs to be knowledgeable, responsive, professional, and communicate well. He or she should support your divorce philosophy and be someone you can trust. You should be comfortable with this person. They should put your children first and be affordable. Promises are great, but actions are better. Consider all the above to achieve the Michigan divorce results you need and deserve.