Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in New Jersey
Tips for Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
This is a difficult time in your life, and hiring a divorce lawyer is the last thing you thought you’d have to do. We understand. At Rickards Law, we listen to our client’s needs and strive to get the best results possible. We’re here to support you and help you get your life back to normal.
When you are thinking about filing for divorce in New Jersey, it is extremely important to have an experienced advocate on your side. Even if you believe that you and your spouse will be able to agree to many terms of the divorce, you need to hire a divorce lawyer. You deserve a strong voice. An attorney helps you receive the best possible outcome in terms of property distribution and child custody matters. However, finding the right attorney for you can feel like an arduous process. What kinds of questions should you ask? What materials should you bring with you?
We want to provide you with some helpful information about hiring a divorce lawyer in New Jersey.
Asking Questions at Your First Meeting with a New Jersey Divorce Attorney
Your first meeting with a New Jersey divorce lawyer is an opportunity for you to ask questions. Take this time to learn more about them and whether they are right for your case. Divorce law in New Jersey is complex, and every case has its own set of nuances. Maybe you are anticipating a high asset divorce and have particular concerns about the distribution of marital property when there are so many different types of assets that need valuation. Or, perhaps, you might have particular concerns about property division. You may have a significant amount of separate property that should not be subject to division. Or, maybe you have concerns about a contentious child custody situation.
Regardless of the primary concerns in your divorce, consider asking these questions during your first meeting:
- How much experience do they have in handling cases similar to yours? For example, has the attorney worked on high asset divorce cases previously? Has the lawyer handled complex child custody cases?
- What is the lawyer’s strategy in divorce cases? For instance, you should want to know more about how the attorney will handle issues of marital property and the possibility of a property settlement. In addition, if there are children from the marriage, what are some of the strategies the attorney uses for approaching contentious child custody cases?
- Will you be working one-on-one with a single attorney, or will different lawyers be working on your case?
- How will you be able to contact the attorney? For instance, can you call and speak with the attorney, or will you need to go through an assistant?
- How much will the divorce case cost? How does the attorney bill, and what are the typical fees?
Bringing Documents to Your Meeting
In addition to asking questions to help you choose the lawyer that is right for your case, you should also bring documents to your initial meeting to get a sense of how the attorney will approach some of the issues that are specific to your case. Some items you might consider bringing with you include:
- List of marital assets;
- List of marital debts;
- Property that you believe are separate property;
- Financial documents; and
- Any other materials that may be relevant to your case.
Choosing the Right New Jersey Divorce Lawyer
You deserve to have an experienced and compassionate attorney on your side throughout your divorce proceedings. A dedicated New Jersey divorce lawyer at our firm can speak with you today and discuss your options for moving forward with your case. Contact The Law Office of Jordan B. Rickards for more information and to schedule an initial consultation.
