If you’re facing the prospect of a divorce, it’s crucial to hire a qualified attorney. A divorce attorney can help you resolve issues relating to custody, visitation, and support, as well as property division and debt. The right attorney can provide peace of mind as you navigate this stressful period, and can help ensure your rights are protected.

While your friends and family members may offer recommendations, it’s important to do your own research. Visiting websites, social media pages, and online legal forums can give you insight into an attorney’s reputation, experience, and effectiveness. It’s also important to consider your specific needs and requirements. For example, some cases involve complicated asset division and custody disputes, while others require mediation or extensive court battles. Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a contentious, drawn-out divorce and a smoother, more amicable separation.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule meetings with each potential attorney. The initial consultation is an opportunity to evaluate each attorney’s communication style, fees, and track record. During the meeting, be sure to ask each attorney for examples of their experience with cases similar to yours. Although confidentiality can limit what details they’re able to share, a good divorce attorney will be able to describe general strategies and outcomes that have worked in the past.

At your initial consultation, you should bring any relevant documents to the appointment. Typically, these include financial records tax returns, 401K statements, etc., investment accounts, deeds, insurance policies, marriage certificates, and any other relevant documentation. Your attorney will need to be able to identify and assess your assets and liabilities, as well as understand your current financial situation so they can effectively advocate for you during property division proceedings.

During your consultation, be sure to discuss your goals and expectations for your case. The best divorce attorneys will be able to tailor their approach and strategy based on your specific needs. They should also be able to clearly explain the legal process and what to expect from your case, including potential outcomes and estimated costs.

Be honest with your attorney at all times. Withholding information can have serious consequences for your case and may damage your chances of a successful outcome. Your lawyer can only protect you if they have all of the facts, so it’s important to be as open and honest as possible.

Finally, be wary of hiring an overly aggressive lawyer. While the emotion of a divorce may lead you to seek an attorney who promises to be a fierce litigator, most divorces can and should be resolved out of court without excessive and expensive litigation. A skilled divorce attorney will be able to balance tough advocacy with effective negotiation, and will avoid overworking the case to rack up exorbitant legal fees.