5 Tips for Choosing the Right Utah Divorce Lawyer
Divorce lawyers often play a significant role in their clients’ cases, which is why it is important that people choose the right attorney.
Unfortunately, not all marriages in Utah are the happily ever after that couples were hoping for. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the divorce rate in the state was 3.1 for every 1,000 total residents in 2014. When people make the difficult decision to end their marriages, there are a number of issues that they must settle before they are able to move on with their lives. Therefore, it is important that they choose the right divorce lawyer to represent them and guide them through the legal process.
Ask for Recommendations
When hiring a divorce attorney, it is not recommended to just choose a name from a list. Rather, people should take time to ensure they are selecting the right lawyer for their situations. Often, divorcing spouses may have family members, friends or other acquaintances who have previously gone through a similar experience. They may consider asking them to recommend an attorney who they worked with and found to be supportive and competent.
Research Potential Attorneys
Even after getting recommendations, people should research the attorneys they are considering before making their selection. This includes looking into their qualifications, as well as reading reviews from prior clients. By researching potential divorce lawyers, people may better understand which legal representative is best suited for their family and circumstances.
Conduct Interviews
Divorce and other family law-related matters are often of a personal nature and people will have to work closely with their lawyers. Thus, it is important that they mesh well with their attorney. In order to help them decide whether their personalities are compatible, people may find it helpful to interview the lawyers they are considering before making their decision. Conducting interviews may also help them to gauge whether or not an attorney will offer them with the compassionate support they need.
Be Wary of Guarantees
Some attorneys may make guarantees to potential clients in an effort to win their business. For example, they may promise to get them an equal share of their marital assets, or more than half of the property they share with their spouse. However, the Utah Courts point out that marital assets in the state are divided in accordance with the principle of equitable distribution. Furthermore, any agreements between divorcing spouses must be approved by the judge to ensure that it is fair and equitable.
Due to the legalities involved, an attorney may not be able to follow through with bold assurances made before the process begins. Therefore, it is important for people to be wary of such promises and not make their decisions based on guarantees alone. Rather, they should opt for an attorney who provides them with reasonable expectations.
Take the Costs into Account
The fees that divorce attorneys charge may vary significantly from one to another. Often, people’s finances may be tied up until their divorces are finalized. Consequently, it may be important for people to ask about the costs before choosing a divorce lawyer. This may help narrow down their choices and ensure they do not settle on a legal representative whose fees they cannot afford.
Make a Choice for the Future
Divorce lawyers in Utah often play a substantial role in the outcomes of their clients’ cases. Thus, it is important that people take time to ensure they are choosing a legal representative who fits their needs. An attorney may negotiate settlements on their behalf and help ensure their rights are upheld throughout the process.
Schedule a time to talk with us – we are here to help you. When you meet with your divorce lawyer, we will go over your entire case, your children, your money and everything else that’s important to you. Our goal is to remove the fear associated with divorce by protecting your money and maximizing your time with your kids, all within 3-6 months. We look forward to meeting with you!