Each year, thousands of couples decide that their marriage has come to an end. The Center for Disease Control and Development reports that over 2 million marriages were formalized each year and over 800,000 divorces and annulments were performed since 2000. One way that the many couples seeking divorce can make the process easier is by preparing for the process beforehand.
The most important way to reduce stress during divorce proceedings is by hiring the right attorney, but how do you know which lawyer will best meet your needs? The first thing you need to do is determine your individual situation and desired outcome. This will have an impact on the type of proceedings you choose.
- Mediation: If you have limited assets and no children, going through mediation may be your best option. An attorney can help you and your partner discuss and determine all aspects of without having to pay costly court fees.
- Collaborative divorce: Couples who still have a good relationship or want to preserve the family life they have established for their children may do best with a collaborative divorce. This will allow for a great amount of negotiation but will require each party to think rationally and set aside emotions to put the family unit first.
- Litigated trial: If you do not believe that you or your partner will be able to compromise equally, hiring an attorney to fight for your rights may be necessary. This option typically requires a judge to determine things such as child support and custody.
No matter which option you choose, you will need to hire an attorney who matches your desire to achieve the best outcome. Hiring an inexperienced lawyer may seem like the best way to save money, but this can actually end up costing you more than you would save if he or she is unable to negotiate what you deserve. There are several questions you should ask about prospective attorneys:
- What are their fees?
- What experience do they have?
- Who is their typical client?
- What do past clients say about them?
- What is their legal approach?
- What access do they have to other resources?
You will typically be able to schedule a free consultation to ask the attorney these questions and determine if they are a good match for you. By taking the time beforehand to find a qualified attorney, you will be able to avoid adding more stress to an already difficult situation. Contact qualified divorce lawyers in Michigan today to find the best one for you.