How to Interview a Divorce Lawyer

Whenever misfortune strikes and necessity requires me to fork over any hard-earned money to a professional--whether it's a plumber, electrician, or other contractor--I always follow my rule of three bids. This means I take the time to research and call multiple professionals, ask a lot of questions, and request estimates from at least three. This simple rule has saved me countless mistakes, thousands of dollars, and a great deal of stress. For example, one spring an 

​underground sewer pipe collapsed causing the drains in my basement to back up. I needed skilled help—and fast. I called three plumbers, per my rule, and got estimates. Each plumber had a slightly different suggestion on how to fix my problem and the costs associated with each suggestion ranged from $1,500 all the way to $15,000; one plumber said my backyard would need to be dug up! You can learn a lot from these consultations/estimates: both about your own situation and about the professional you may potentially hire.

This same principle applies when you're looking to hire a divorce lawyer in Utah. Legal professionals are, in many ways, like contractors--they offer a service, and prices can vary greatly. Before signing any contract or paying a large retainer, follow these simple steps to ensure you find the right lawyer for your divorce. 

1.  Get Three Bids
Why get three bids? It's simple: you will learn a lot. Not all divorce attorneys are the same, and their rates can differ widely. Some attorneys charge their professional hourly for travel time to court or mediation, while others are more scrupulous. Utah has a wealth of divorce attorneys, so you can find one that fits your needs. Whether you are seeking an uncontested divorce, a collaborative divore, or need a lawyer for divorce medation, you should explore your options.

Start by reseraching the method of divorce that's right for you. For example, are you considering a no court divorce or amicable divorce? Do you want to handle your own divorce, DIY? Or will you prefer working with a family law attorney to guide you? Ask friends or family members for recommendations, do some online research, and complie a list of at least three Utah divorce lawyers.

Once you have gathered some names, schedule a consultation and meet with your potential attorney. 

2.  Ask for a Roadmap/Plan and Estimate
The attorney you hire should have a roadmap of how they plan to to accomplish your divorce goals. Whether you're aiming for a peaceful divorce, cost-effective divorce, or collaborative divorce, ask them to outline their strategy.

Inquire about specific aspects of the divorce process, such as:

• Will you need temporary orders?
• How much financial documentation will be required?
• Should you pursue a custody evaluation or is an informal trial possible?
• Will you be working primarily with the lawyer or a paralegal?
• If it's a paralegal, is their rate different?
• How far will the retainer deposit take you?

Planning and strategy are essential for successfully navigating the divorce process. The right attorney will help you anticipate the steps ahead, from property division to child custody, and child support. 

3.  Compare Costs
As with any professional service, it's important to compare costs. Here are some key questions to ask each Utah divorce lawyer:

• What is your hourly rate?
• What tasks are charged using the hourly rate?
• What is the expected retainer fee?
• Who will be handling the bulk of the case--the attorney or an associate?

Create a spreadsheet to track and compare this information from each consultation. Having a side-by-side comparison will help you make an informed decision about which divorce attorney is the best fit for your needs and budget.

4.  Assess Personality Fit 
This point cannot be emphasized enough. You will likely spend a signifiant amount of time with your divorce attorney, discussing personal and emotional issues. It's crucial that you feel comfortable with your lawyer and confident in their ability to represent your interests. A lawyer represents you, so make sure they are approachable, respecful, and aligned with your goals--whether that's an amicable divorce, no court divorce, or Collaborative divorce. 

CONCLUSION
Following these steps will not only provide you with education about your options but also boost your confidence in selecting the right lawyer for your situation. Whether you're pursuing a Collaborative divorce, no court divorce, or uncontested divorce in Utah, the more information you gather, the more empowered you will be to make smart, reliable decisions.

For more information about your divorce options in Utah check out our free online course, Divorce 101. Or, if you're ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment with Jennifer by clicking here, or call (801) 675-8183.