If you and your spouse are no longer finding happiness in your marriage, you are not alone. According to the latest available data, between 40-50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Coincidentally, the percentage is highest in the Southern US (while being lowest in the Northeast), so it is entirely possible that you or someone you know is going through or has gone through a divorce.

If you decide to make the difficult decision to dissolve your marriage, it is of critical importance to hire an experienced divorce attorney, who will be able to represent your interests during the potentially contentious divorce proceedings.

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Divorces occur due to a multitude of reasons. Including:

  • Cheating
  • Financial Problems
  • Poor Communication
  • Arguing/Fighting
  • Lack of Intimacy
  • Unrealistic Expectations
  • Physical/Verbal Abuse

Even more tragic, many of these couples have children who have to become caught up in this situation. So, when you hire an attorney, it is important to find one who will not only look out for your interests, but your child’s interests as well.

How to Find the Best Divorce Attorney

With nearly countless divorce attorneys across the state and nation, it can be very difficult to find one that has the skills, experience, and knowledge to get you the best result from your pending divorce. Add to this the mental and emotional pain associated with the divorce process, and the job of finding the right lawyer might sound overwhelming.

We know how difficult it can be to find the best possible divorce attorney to represent your interests, so we have compiled a list of our best seven tips to find an experienced family law lawyer.

Ask Your Family and Friends for Recommendations

Perhaps the most common way that people find a high quality attorney is by word of mouth. Chances are good that you know at least one person who has gone through what you’re going through, and asking them if they were pleased with the job their lawyer did and then getting contact information is an easy way to find a good attorney. Just make sure that they specialize in divorce cases and family law while you’re discussing the matter with your friend or family member.

Know What You Want to Receive from the Divorce

As difficult as a divorce can be, it is still very important to focus on your self-interests and get what you want. Whether you want sole custody of your children, alimony, child support, other assets that were acquired during the marriage, etc., your attorney will know what to say and do in front of a judge to help you get what you need.

Look For A Board Certified Attorney in Marital & Family Law

The Florida Bar Association offers a list of the top attorneys in our area. Their website floridabar.org is a fantastic resource, and definitely the best place you can look if you haven’t already secured a great lawyer from a friend’s recommendation. Be sure to focus on which attorneys are Board Certified specialists in Marital & Family Law, which is recognized as the highest accreditation available in Florida for this legal specialization.

Make Use of the Internet

Aside from the Florida Bar website, using a search engine to look for experienced divorce attorneys near you can provide a wealth of additional information, including online reviews (both positive and negative), client testimonials, and detailed firm information. Reading and taking in all of this information can help you make your final decision.

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Personally Visit Local Law Offices

Look into law firms in your area and then physically go to their office locations. You can not only gather a lot of information about a firm from the location and appearance of their office, but of the professionalism, compassion, and knowledge of their staff. Get information on the types of cases they are experienced with, and schedule a consultation to discuss your case in greater detail.

Look For Attorneys with the Most Years of Experience

It stands to reason that if you find a divorce attorney who has many years of relevant legal experience that they are likely doing something right. We recommend finding a divorce attorney who has at least 25 years of relevant courtroom experience to handle your legal needs. A lawyer with that much experience has likely seen it all and will be in the best position to get you what you want from your divorce.

Calculate Your Budget

It should come as no surprise that many top quality divorce attorneys often demand higher legal fees, so it is important to consider your budget when making your selection. After you are comfortable with understanding what you have to spend on your divorce attorney’s services, you can continue your search to find the best lawyer within your price range.

Daytona Beach Divorce Attorney

At Ross and Andreassi, our Florida Board Certified marital & family law lawyers have been helping families overcome the difficulties of divorce for over 40 years. We will help you through the process of mediation and, if mediation is unsuccessful, through every step of finalizing your divorce so you can make smart and informed decisions for your and your children’s futures. If you’re ready to transition through your divorce and into a new life, give us a call at (386) 258-5069.

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