9 Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer Before Hiring 

If you are facing a divorce in Florida, you likely have many questions about the divorce laws in Florida, how long a Florida divorce takes, and what to expect as you litigate your divorce claim. These are important questions you need to ask any potential divorce lawyer you may hire. However, not every important question is helpful if you are trying to decide which divorce attorney to hire. 

Here are nine questions you can ask of any potential divorce lawyer that, depending on the answers, will provide you with relevant insights about which Orlando divorce lawyer to hire.

1. How Long Have You Practiced Divorce Law in Florida?

You don’t want just any garden-variety divorce lawyer. You want a divorce lawyer with plenty of experience handling contested and uncontested divorce cases. You want a divorce attorney with a proven track record of success, especially in the local area. 

Ask the attorney to describe their background in the law and their history of law practice in the area. When it comes to Florida divorce practice, there is no replacement for experience. 

2. Do You Handle All Aspects of a Divorce?

You may already have a pretty good idea of the issues likely to be raised and perhaps contested in your divorce. 

These may include:

Be sure to ask each attorney about their experience in any of the areas that may be relevant to your case. 

3. How Will We Communicate About My Case?

Some clients want to be updated on every aspect of their case; others just want the big picture and prefer for their attorney to handle the details. Some clients want to meet in person; others want to communicate by telephone, e-mail, or text message. Some people like to communicate in the morning, some at night. Every divorce lawyer may have similar (or different) preferences.

Communication is critical in any attorney-client relationship. Be sure you know what to expect when it comes to your divorce lawyer’s communication practices. They may not be what you prefer.

4. What Is Your Fee Structure?

Attorney fees can be a determining factor for many divorce clients. 

Be sure to ask about:

  • A retainer fee;
  • Hourly rates for senior and associate attorneys;
  • Flat fee divorce;
  • The firm’s billing practices; 
  • Acceptable payment methods;
  • Administrative fees (copying, mailing, filing fees, court costs, etc.); and
  • What legal services the attorney anticipates in light of the facts in your case

The fee structure can make a significant difference in the cost of your divorce.

5. Have You Ever Been Sued by a Client or Disciplined for Professional Ethics Violations?

How the attorney treats other clients and other attorneys is most likely the way they are going to treat you. If they have ethical blemishes on their record or their reputation, consider the possibility that those blemishes may be projected onto you in your case. You should feel good about who represents you in your divorce. 

6. What Can I Expect in My Divorce Case?

No divorce attorney can predict the outcome of your case. However, an experienced divorce attorney should have a fairly good idea of what to expect, given the circumstances in your case. If the attorney says that they have no idea what to anticipate, they may not have the experience you need in your divorce lawyer. 

7. Will Other Attorneys Work on My Case?

This attorney may be a sole practitioner or one of only a few lawyers in a very small firm. Larger law firms may have multiple attorneys who also practice divorce law. You may want the sole attention of one attorney, or you may be comfortable balancing experience with cost.   

8. How Much Input Will I Have in Making Decisions in My Case?

Of course, you are hiring a divorce attorney because you need sound legal advice and want someone with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to handle your case successfully. But your case will involve strategies and decisions that affect your marriage, your children, your property, and your life. You should expect to play an active role in the decision-making in your case. 

9. How Would You Describe Your Style of Representation?

You likely have some idea about the kind of representation you expect from your divorce attorney. Maybe you want an aggressive litigator who is not afraid to confront the opposing counsel. Perhaps you want a lawyer who believes that cooler heads will prevail and has experience in collaborative divorce law. 

Consult an Orlando Divorce Lawyer at McMichen, Cinami & Demps

Finding the right divorce lawyer for you can be an important aspect of your entire divorce case. It may take some time, but meeting with multiple prospective divorce lawyers goes a long way to finding the right one if you know what questions to ask.

Contact the experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803