Divorce and Family Law Attorneys in San Diego
Divorce is never an easy process, but an understanding of how the process will work and an experienced divorce attorney on your side will make the process a bit easier. An attorney can be helpful even when a couple agrees on most of the terms of the separation. This trained, experienced professional can ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, that the rights of both parties are sufficiently protected and that the necessary paperwork is filed correctly. Here are some key points to consider when finding a divorce attorney that is right for you.
If you have the funds, hire an attorney who takes on a select amount of clients. That way, you ensure that he or she will work on your case individually. Many law firms assign a number of attorneys to represent a client, so no one attorney has a complete knowledge of the case or understanding of the client’s goals. A highly personal attorney-client relationship makes sure your divorce is executed quickly and efficiently.
Also, find an attorney who emphasizes divorce mediation or collaborative divorce over litigation. It is well known in the court system that divorcing spouses almost always come out ahead when they participate in a structured process to negotiate their own disputes rather than letting the court system decide how they’ll divide their property and who should have custody of the children. Also, many courts require divorcing spouses to at least give mediation a try before battling it out in the courtroom.
What this means is you will want to look for a lawyer who has a strong track record using mediation, not someone who is only lukewarm on the subject. Your best bet to maintaining sanity during the divorce is to hire a lawyer who is trained and experienced in collaborative law, which is a new way of divorcing where both parties have lawyers, but everyone agrees to meet together and try to negotiate a settlement and promises not to go to court.
Two final minor details can have a significant impact on how your divorce is handled. First, an attorney who has business or real estate experience is best suited to handle divorces involving large assets. Also, as always, be sure to solve attorney fees up front and obtain a written retainer agreement so there are no surprises.
At the Law Office of Steven M. Bishop, CFLS, a family law and divorce lawyer in San Diego, he and his staff are committed to providing professional, dedicated, and highly responsive legal representation for people going through a divorce or family difficulties. They are a full-service family law practice offering experienced information on divorce law in San Diego, California. If you are considering divorce or have been served with a divorce petition, Steven M. Bishop, San Diego California’s top family law and divorce attorney can help. The Law Office of Steven M. Bishop has an excellent reputation for providing quality legal representation.
