The divorce process can be one of the most stressful things people can endure without a divorce lawyer. From the heartbreak of a broken family to the possibility of losing out on child custody, divorce proceedings can bring out a lot of intense emotions that make things more frustrating. They can also lead to mistakes that affect your position in the case and your life in the years to come. This post focuses on seven common mistakes to avoid when hiring a divorce lawyer in Hartford, CT.
1. Letting Your Emotions Obscure Logic
Despair, frustration, and rage are just a few of the intense emotions during the divorce process. However, they can work against you when interviewing a divorce lawyer in Hartford, CT. You may hire the wrong divorce attorney who’ll take advantage of your vulnerability and provide poor advice or exaggerate the cost. Emotions cloud your judgment, and that’s the last thing you need during a divorce.
Consider bringing a family member or friend along for the initial consultation with a Connecticut family law firm to avoid falling into the above situations. They will help keep the meeting focused on getting the information you need. Alternatively, you can wait until you have control of your emotions before starting interviews with Connecticut law firms.
2. Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Who Doesn’t Have Time for You
You need an experienced divorce attorney who will create time for your sessions and any concerns you may have—a lawyer who seems to take forever to call you back. During the free consultations, every lawyer you meet will insist that they have your back and always be at your beck and call. This makes it difficult to determine who to trust.
A great way to determine the commitment of family law attorneys is to make a call after 5.00 pm on the same day of your consultation. Leave a message saying that you have questions and concerns you’d like to inquire about. Wait and see how long it takes for the divorce lawyer to get back to you. A good divorce lawyer will get back to you and if that’s the case, ensure you have questions for the attorney. Otherwise, resume your search for the best divorce lawyer in Hartford, CT.
3. Hiring an Attorney with Insufficient Divorce or Family Law Experience
One of the biggest mistakes people make when dissolving their marriage is failing to realize the importance of an experienced family lawyer. Just because your cousin or friend is a lawyer doesn’t mean they’re the right person for the job. The fact that they know your soon-to-be-ex adds an extra layer of mistrust and complications to the situation. They become part of the narrative rather than your advocate.
An experienced family lawyer specializing in divorce can play a pivotal role during this transition. They can help get you the right access to your children and fair distribution of assets. Failing to hire a divorce lawyer with experience can have long-lasting consequences on your personal life.
4. Failing to Prepare for a Consultation
Interviews offer a great opportunity to gather information on divorce lawyers and narrow down your options. However, making the most of consultation requires preparation and laying out interview questions in advance. This preparation gives you the upper hand and helps you feel confident that your emotions are in check before the appointment. It ensures that you know what you want and have realistic expectations.
Ensure you research essential aspects to discuss with divorce attorneys rather than go into the interview blindly. Prepare some interview questions as well, and these may include;
- What does the divorce process entail, and how long does it usually last?
- What percentage of your firm is dedicated to family law matters and divorce?
- Do you offer mediation and other alternatives to court dispute resolution?
- How many divorce cases have you handled?
- How much of my case will you handle? Who will work with you on the case?
- What is your experience working with high net worth clients and handling child custody issues?
5. Hiring a Lawyer Based Solely on their Hourly Fees
Many spouses going through a divorce make the mistake of hiring an attorney based on the cost. They neglect the importance of other factors like experience navigating child support and spousal support issues and the court system. A common challenge for clients is how to hire a divorce attorney with the most experience for the lowest final cost. The fact that attorneys have no control over how long divorce proceedings take compounds the issue.
Not all divorces require an extensive court battle. They are often handled outside court through mediation, non-adversarial divorce, negotiated settlements, and other alternatives. Generally speaking, hiring an experienced divorce lawyer and having realistic expectations at the onset is the best way to ensure an equitable and peaceful resolution.
6. Believing a Hartford Divorce Lawyer is a Genie
While the right divorce attorney will have your best interests at heart, it’s important to remember that they cannot fix your life. Anyone who suggests they can is lying, and you should resume your search. A good divorce attorney can help get the best outcome possible in your divorce and leave you in a good place to rebuild your life. However, no law firm can help ensure that your children are happy post-divorce, get the settlement of your wildest dreams or guarantee you a happy ever after. It’s important to have realistic expectations before hiring a family law firm in Hartford.
7. Ignoring Your Gut Feeling
The attorney-client relationship is closer than most people realize, hence the importance of trusting your gut during the hiring process. As devastating and frustrating divorce proceedings, you want someone who’s a good fit for you and your situation by your situation. Some clients prefer a lawyer of the same gender, while others opt for a soothing and parental attorney over an aggressive one. Whatever your preferences, you should trust your gut when deciding who the right lawyer is for you. It doesn’t matter if they’re supposed to be the “best divorce lawyer in Hartford, CT” or the cheapest. If your head is telling you to hire a particular lawyer, but your gut says no, it’s best to get out of there and resume your search.
Hire the Best Divorce Attorney in Hartford, CT
Looking for trusted representation to handle your divorce case? Contact CT Mediation Center, LLC today to hire a divorce attorney. Our divorce attorneys have experience handling child support, asset division, spousal support, and court issues that may come up in divorce cases. We work to represent clients and protect their rights throughout the divorce proceedings.
Contact us at 860-986-1141 to discuss your divorce case and hire an experienced family law attorney.