How to Hire a Massachusetts Divorce Lawyer

Hiring the right divorce and family law attorney is the most important decision in any case. It’s critical to do your homework, check the lawyer’s qualifications and make sure they are experienced enough to handle your case. Remember – you do not have to hire the first attorney you meet. You should treat your first consultation with an attorney like an interview. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and only retain the attorney if you are confident in his or her abilities and feel that you can trust them.

Before choosing an attorney for your divorce, here are five things to consider:

5 Things to Remember When Hiring a Lawyer

• Experience Matters — You want to find a focused lawyer who practices 95% or more on divorces. You want someone who knows the judge and court you will be going to because divorce rulings differ locally. You want an attorney who works with urgency and who is willing to work 24/7 on your case. You want someone you feel comfortable calling on Christmas day to talk about your case.
• Know What You Want — Before you go looking for a lawyer, know what you’d like to get out of your attorney-client experience. Also think about what type of attorney you want. Often the best attorneys are those who handle family law exclusively.
• Ask for Credentials — Choose a lawyer with credentials you can trust. Don’t be afraid to ask for details, such as what school they went to, where they are licensed to practice and what their experience is.
• Caseload Counts — Ask prospective attorneys about their current caseloads. Are you their only client? One of ten? Knowing what the attorney’s caseload is like will yield important information about how much time they will be able to spend on your case.
• Be a Sponge — Glean as much information about a lawyer as possible before retaining them to handle your divorce. The attorney you choose can have a drastic effect on the outcome of your case, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as:
  • How many years of experience do you have?
  • Have you ever handled a case like mine? What was the outcome?
  • How do you think a judge would rule in my case?
  • How much do you charge?
  • Do you require an up-front retainer? If so, how much?
  • Will you be handling my case, or will you defer to a paralegal or assistant?

Contacting Miller Law Group, P.C.

If you are going through a divorce and are in the process of choosing an attorney – or if you are considering switching attorneys – contact Miller Law Group, P.C. for a free legal consultation at (888) 874-2142. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with solutions.