Hiring a divorce lawyer is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks anyone can face. Although the decision to file divorce can be painful, lack of appropriate legal counsel can create further discord and leave divorcees in dire straits. Taking time to locate the appropriate attorney to handle divorce can reduce stress and help both parties reach an amicable agreement.

Knowing whether your divorce will be contested or uncontested can help you locate an appropriate lawyer. Couples with children should hire attorneys well-versed in family law. Couples who have financial or real estate holdings will want to work with divorce lawyers possessing a background in finances and investments. If there are no children involved and no financial assets, a less expensive divorce lawyer may be sufficient.

Start by developing a list of potential candidates. Ask friends, family, neighbors or co-workers for referrals. Considering nearly half of all marriages fail, chances are you know someone who has worked with a divorce lawyer. If you aren’t comfortable asking for referrals, browse your local telephone directory.

Contact each attorney on your list and ask questions about the lawyers’ experience, retainer and fees. If you feel the attorney might be suited for your situation, arrange a meeting. Most law firms offer free consultations to review your case. Interview a minimum of three divorce lawyers before making a final decision.

Prior to hiring a divorce lawyer, request a meeting with the staff members who will work on your case. For most people, divorce is a stressful and emotional time. It is important to work with people who suit your personality and can provide guidance during this difficult time.

Divorce lawyers may charge a flat fee or hourly rate. More often than not, an hourly fee is charged. On average, rates range from $150 to $375 per hour. Unless you have an overflowing bank account, you will want to work with a lawyer who is proficient with their time.

In reality, there is no such thing as an easy divorce. Even if both parties are in total agreement, divorce is an emotional and life-altering event. However, if divorce is particularly messy, it is crucial to locate a lawyer who will fight for your rights and protect your interests.

Whether you live right here in Tennessee or live out-of-state and have family law issues that bring you here, The Memphis divorce attorneys at Richter & Rasberry will fight for your family and protect your interests. You can depend on their proven effectiveness in state courts. Their experience in family law and in-depth knowledge of specific Tennessee statutes protect your interests and those of your family during stressful times. They represent clients in all courts in Tennessee—including circuit, chancery, and juvenile—to successfully handle your family law case.

If you’ve been charged with a criminal act, the law firm you go with will affect the result of your situation tremendously. The defense tactics employed, with the total resilience of your case, needs to be designed by a gifted criminal law firm. It’s essential to hire a law firm who appreciates the basics of your individual scenario.

Create a Short List

Start the process of choosing a criminal lawyer by creating a short list of good potential candidates. You can use online searches or the phone book to find some options in your area. Visit the websites of the lawyers you are considering, and see if they have expertise in the particular area in which you are being prosecuted. You can often find this information in the lawyer’s biographical profile on the website.

One suggestion for you, The Memphis criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Massey McClusky bring over 40 years of experience and skill to the courtroom. They also bring the heart for the fight. They focus exclusively on criminal defense:

* State and Federal Criminal law – white-collar crime, capital murder, homicide, drug crime, illegal search and seizures, aggravated robbery, sex crime, sexual assault, murder defense
* Criminal appeals – constitutional issues, evidentiary rulings, new trials, illegal sentences

The Law Office of Massey McClusky represents criminal defendants throughout the Mid-South, including Memphis, Tennessee; Oxford, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee; and Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact them to see the difference they can make in your defense.

Make a Phone Call

Once you have your short list, make a phone call to try to set up an interview with the lawyer. This may not always be possible, because good criminal lawyers are very busy people and may not have the time for an interview with a prospective client. However, calling the firm will give you a chance to get a feel for the staff. Make sure they treat you with professionalism and common courtesy.

If you can get an interview with the lawyer, take it. Do not tell him too much about your case until you have agreed to work with him, but ask him how he has handled cases similar to yours. As the lawyer for references, and call those references. This is time consuming, but getting first-hand knowledge about how the lawyer works with people who have been in your shoes is invaluable.

Find out how he is paid, as well. Lawyers usually will be paid by the hour or through an upfront fee, and these rates can vary significantly from firm to firm, so you will want to know ahead of time how much to expect to pay for services. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest lawyer may not be the best one for your case. On the other hand, the most expensive one may not be best either. Consider the cost as part of the overall picture of the lawyer, and choose the one you are the most comfortable about working with on a daily basis.

Make Your Choice

Make sure that you feel confident that the lawyer you have chosen will handle your case well. Your instincts are invaluable in helping you choose a good criminal lawyer. So do your homework, count the cost, and then go with your gut and hire the lawyer you feel the most confident in at the end of the process.