Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney

Hiring the right divorce attorney in Maine can be a challenge during the emotional turmoil and upheaval of a separation.

For many people, it is the first time in their lives they have had to hire a lawyer. Sometimes, people receive referrals from friends or family. Even then, it is best to do your homework and have a few questions lined up so that you know that the recommended lawyer is right for your situation.

For those able to choose from a large pool of divorce professionals, the same questions can help to narrow down the many options and select the right attorney from the available candidates.

Being informed and getting your decision right is important to achieve the desired outcomes. So, let’s take a look at the leading questions to ask before hiring a divorce attorney in Maine.

Divorce law is a specialist area of family law, requiring in-depth knowledge of the federal and state laws in Maine.

Matters involving child custody/parenting, property division, and spousal support can be extremely complex and have a profound effect on a family’s future. It is best to entrust these important issues only to a professional with the requisite skill set, such as certified family law specialists or licensed divorce lawyers,especially if your divorce is unlikely to be a simple, uncontested case.

Remember, some lawyers have moved across different jurisdictions and multiple practice areas throughout their careers. Make sure yours is focused on divorce law in Maine.

The complexities of divorce law take skill, time, and experience to master. Ask about the attorney’s experience, the number of cases they have handled, and the types of cases they prefer.

Find a divorce attorney with experience that reflects how your divorce case may proceed. For instance, if you are a high-net-worth couple, you will want to ensure your divorce lawyer has experience of asset division in high-net-worth divorces. If you have several children, ensure that your lawyer has the requisite child custody experience. If you have accumulated a large pension, check how experienced the lawyer is at handling this type of complex financial matter.

Possessing the right local experience will also mean that your divorce lawyer is familiar with local judges and officials in the legal community and can advise you on local court procedures. They are also privy to any updates to local laws, which may benefit your case.

Ask the divorce attorney what happens after the initial case evaluation and relevant information is provided.

What documents do they need? How will they assess the case and provide a professional opinion on how the case may proceed and the best strategies for a favorable outcome?

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of your position, and can you do anything to improve the chances of success?

Check which lawyer(s) will be handling your case and who will be assisting.

If you “bond” well with one of the senior lawyers in the law firm during the case evaluation but are likely to be palmed off to a junior lawyer for the actual case, that should be a red flag. It is best to seek assurances about this upfront.

If your divorce lawyer immediately starts talking about trials and courtrooms, this should also be a red flag. Ideally, your divorce will be settled well before trial—like the vast majority of divorces in Maine.

Litigation should be a last resort—with alternative dispute resolution strategies usually achieving more favorable results in divorces. Ask your attorney about lawyer collaboration, negotiation, mediation, and even arbitration.

Ideally, the law firm you choose should be able to assist you with alternative dispute resolution methods AND litigation if the case does end up at trial. Does the law firm have lawyers with the necessary courtroom experience to advocate for your rights and convince a judge?

You are unlikely to learn the cost of a divorce from the law firm’s website or an exact figure by asking an attorney directly, but you should get some indications during the case evaluation stage if you ask the right questions.

Ask the divorce attorney if they charge an hourly rate. If so, how much—and does the clock continue to run when spending time with other lawyers, paralegals, and/or secretaries? Ask how many hours your case may take. Your lawyer should also be able to advise you on how to keep the costs (and delays) down.

Also, check if there is an upfront retainer to pay and what expenses you are liable for, on top of the standard fees. Will you have to pay for researchers or other specialist professionals, such as private investigators, forensic accountants, physicians, and/or psychologists?

Your lawyer can also estimate the court costs involved in a Maine divorce case and the potential costs if it ends up at trial. Generally, the greater conflict, the higher the costs of a divorce.

How will the divorce attorney communicate with you? Try to get some indication of what you can expect with emails, calls, texts, etc. updating you on progress in your case over the months.

How long do they take to return phone calls and how do you get hold of someone if there is an emergency? If you have questions, how should these be submitted, and will you have a “direct line” to the lawyer or mainly have to deal with his/her secretary or legal team?

If you need legal assistance during a divorce in Maine, speak to an experienced family law attorney at The Maine Divorce Group during an initial consultation.