Use Caution when Selecting a Lawyer

While I have written on this topic before, it seemed worth reiterating, especially to our newer guests. Whenever selecting a divorce lawyer in Virginia or elsewhere it is crucial to exercise extreme caution during the process. This becomes even more important when dealing with a contested divorce where the attorney is a person whom you need to trust to look out for your best interests. A contested divorce is emotionally tolling and expensive in and of itself. The last thing most people want to do is also monitor their lawyer to ensure that there is not excessive billing for services or poor advice. That is why it is crucial to use caution, but not paranoia, during the selection phase.

It is fairly simple to check an attorney’s record with the local state bar. This is a must for anyone hiring a divorce lawyer. Check to see if there are any client complaints, even complaints that show up as dismissed or display a reduced penalty to the attorney are red flag. Even if the bar decided one way it does not necessarily mean that complaints did not have merit. However, in fairness to lawyers, it is difficult to ensure every client is happy. Thus take this fact into consideration as well when viewing and information provided by the state bar association.

The next step is to take at different resources, such as this site (shameless plug), for a list of reputable Virginia lawyers or ones to exhibit caution before selecting. Another excellent tool is simply typing in the attorney’s name on Google or another search engine and taking a look to see if there are any positive or negative remarks on the lawyer. As with anything keep in mind the bias of any website, for instance there are many sites where attorneys can pay for positive reviews. One final recommendation is to talk to anyone who has undergone a similar situation, find out whom that individual selected as counsel and if the lawyer provided reasonably priced and worthwhile expertise.

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