Hiring a divorce attorney requires careful consideration of their expertise and experience. A divorce or family lawyer should understand and represent your specific needs and interests.
I strongly believe that not all divorce and family law attorneys are are suitable for everyone. This is why hiring a divorce lawyer is crucial.
Various factors might make a lawyer unsuitable. One factor might be the gender of the attorney. For instance, some clients prefer an attorney of the same gender. Representing both men and women, I’ve encountered clients who initially sought a same-gender lawyer. After meeting them, some chose to hire me, while I gladly referred others to different attorneys.
Credentials
When selecting a Divorce or Family Lawyer in Texas, the most important thing to ensure is that they hold a license to practice in the State where your case is ongoing.
I sometimes get clients with cases in another state other than Texas. Unfortunately, depending on the circumstances, I cannot help them and need to refer them to an attorney licensed to practice in that State. Other times, I can help them because we can open a case in Texas and move forward.
When hiring a divorce lawyer, it is likewise important to select one who focuses their practice on Divorce and Family Law. I sometimes run into attorneys who try and do all areas of the law. This is a disservice to their clients because, oftentimes, they do not know what they are talking about. Arguments arise because they ask for things they could never get in court or the law does not provide for.
This means both parties end up paying more in attorney’s fees, arguing over things they should not be arguing in the first place, which an experienced family law or divorce attorney could have prevented.
Location
Location is another thing to consider when hiring a divorce or family law lawyer. My office is in North Houston in the Spring, Texas, about halfway between Conroe, Texas, and Houston, Texas. As a result, nearly half of my family law and divorce cases are either in Montgomery County or Harris County.
I do practice in other counties in Texas and have taken cases in locations such as Waco, TX, and Dallas, TX. However, before taking those cases, I suggested it might be more cost-effective for those potential clients to consider hiring a divorce lawyer whose office was more local. The reason is they would have the added expense of paying for my travel time to those locations whenever there was a hearing. The hourly rate of $350 can make it prohibitively expensive for some clients.
Communication and Promptness
Many attorneys struggle with communicating in a prompt manner with clients. Family law and divorce lawyers, due to the nature of their practice, are out of the office more than many other types of lawyers. Divorce and Family Law Lawyers are often in Court or in Mediation. They are seldom in the office to answer calls and it can be difficult to respond to emails as well.
This can be especially difficult for attorneys who do not have a support staff to help them. One of the ways I try and help with being responsive to my clients is by employing a support staff and have three paralegals and an associate attorney to help me.
A good question to ask prospective divorce and family law lawyers is how you will be able to contact them and how long it will take them to return your call.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a divorce attorney is a critical decision that can significantly affect the outcome of your divorce proceedings. Ensure that you choose an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced, and empathetic of your unique situation.
Ebook
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Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Tips for hiring a divorce attorney in Texas
- Tips for hiring a divorce attorney in Texas, Part Two
- Tips for hiring a divorce attorney in Texas, Part Three
- Why do divorces cost so much in Texas?
- How Much Will My Texas Divorce Cost?
- 8 Tips for Reducing the Cost of a Divorce in Texas
- $300 Divorce Cost a Man $100,000 in Texas
- Low cost and affordable divorces, attorneys, websites and divorce Costs in Texas
- 6 things You Need to Know Before You File for Divorce in Texas
- SUCH AN EASY DIVORCE? THAT HUSBAND MAY LOSE HIS HOUSE!
- Finding a Qualified Texas Divorce Lawyer
- What is the average retainer fee for a divorce lawyer?
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.