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Originally Posted On: https://www.fairwellmediation.com/blog/2022/november/7-questions-to-ask-your-divorce-mediation-lawyer/

 

Choosing the right lawyer is an important part of your divorce settlement. Read here for seven questions you should ask your divorce mediation lawyer.

Did you know that there are over 500,000 divorces per year in the United States? Unfortunately, not every marriage has the foundation to last forever.

If you find yourself working with a divorce attorney, there are certain questions that you will need to ask. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get the best results from your divorce mediation lawyer.

Let’s explore everything you need to know.

1. What Is Your Meditation Style Like?

Your divorce mediation lawyer will have their own way of handling things.

It’s important that you’re on the same page before you sign any paperwork. Furthermore, you’ll want to know how they communicate.

Some lawyers are more aggressive than others. Although this isn’t inherently bad, it may not be appropriate for your situation.

Mediation lawyers who are overly aggressive can sometimes make the situation worse. You should also ask about what methods they use to help resolve conflicts.

Otherwise, you may end up working with a mediator who is not able to satisfy your needs.

2. What Is Your Experience?

You’ll want to ask your potential divorce mediation lawyer about their experience.

How many cases have they handled in the past? Do they have experience with high-net-worth divorces?

It’s important that you work with a mediator who knows what they’re doing.

Although an inexperienced divorce mediation lawyer is not guaranteed to provide poor results, you are much more likely to reach your goals by working with someone who has more experience. So, keep this in mind when moving forward.

3. What Are Your Availability and Scheduling Requirements?

You’ll also want to ask your potential divorce mediation lawyer about their availability. When will they be available to work on your case?

Do they have any scheduling restrictions that you should be aware of? You’ll need to make sure that you’re able to work with someone who is available when you need them.

Divorce is often an arduous and complicated process, and being unable to get in touch with your lawyer could make the situation harder than it needs to be.

4. What Are Your Rates?

Of course, you’ll also want to ask about rates.

How much will your divorce mediation lawyer charge you for their services? Is there a retainer fee? What other costs should you expect to incur?

You’ll need to have a clear understanding of the financial commitments involved before you move forward. Otherwise, you may end up spending more money than you’re comfortable with. You should also see if there are any miscellaneous expenses that you need to know about.

For example, some lawyers allow clients to contact them via text message or email after business hours. However, they often charge for this extra service. The last thing you want is to have to pay a large amount and miscellaneous fees that you didn’t expect.

5. What Are the Potential Outcomes of My Case?

You should also ask your divorce mediation lawyer about the potential outcomes of your case.

What are the chances that you’ll be able to reach a settlement? What are the chances that you’ll have to go to court? The entire point of mediation is to settle things as peacefully as possible.

Your lawyer should be able to accurately describe how the case will play out. When they give you this information, you need to take it seriously. After all, you’ll need to have realistic expectations before you move forward.

You may end up disappointed with the results if you don’t.

6. What Is Your Divorce Philosophy?

You should also ask your potential divorce mediation lawyer about their philosophy when it comes to divorce.

What is their general approach? Are they more likely to recommend compromise or confrontation? You’ll need to make sure that you’re on the same page before you move forward.

If you do not resonate with them, it’s in your best interest to find somebody else to work with. A lawyer who has a conflicting philosophy may steer the case in the wrong direction.

7. How Do You Stand Out From Your Competitors?

Finally, you should ask your potential divorce mediation lawyer how they stand out from their competitors. What makes them the best choice for you? What do they bring to the table that other lawyers don’t?

You should always be looking for ways to improve your chances of success. So, if a lawyer is able to offer you an advantage, it’s worth considering.

How to Get Started Working With a Reputable Lawyer

If you’re interested in working with a reputable divorce mediation lawyer, there are a few things that you’ll need to do.

First, you should ask for referrals from friends or family members who have been through a divorce. Then, you can check out online reviews to get an idea of what other people think about specific lawyers.

Of course, you should keep in mind that not every review encounter will be legitimate. Shady law firms sometimes attempt to improve their reputation by posting false reviews. Be sure you know how to recognize fake reviews so that you can avoid this situation when hiring an attorney.

Finding the Right Divorce Mediation Lawyer Is Easier Than It Seems

Although finding the ideal divorce mediation lawyer might seem daunting at first, the process is much simpler than people expect.

Just make sure that you consider the above information so you can make the decision best for you.

Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.