If you are in the process of dissolving your marriage, or are simply considering the possibility of getting a divorce on Long Island, the idea of hiring a family law attorney can seem overwhelming. The divorce lawyer you hire has a significant impact on the overall outcome of your case, particularly when it comes to critical matters like child custody, child support, alimony, and property division.

Here are several things to keep in mind when meeting with various family law firms and how to choose an attorney that is the best fit for you

Schedule a Consultation with a Divorce Attorney

Scheduling a consultation with one or more lawyers is the first step toward determining which one may be a good fit for you. You won’t be able to get a feel for how our divorce lawyer will work with you or how well you will get along without first meeting him or her. Book your initial meeting for a time that is convenient for you, where you’ll have plenty of time and energy to ask questions about your case and what legal options are available to you.

Write Down a List of Questions You Want to Ask Lawyer

Don’t go into the consultation with your potential lawyer unprepared. You should have a list of questions to ask the lawyer during the initial meeting, so you can maximize the use of the time available to you. Good lawyers are busy people so you will do yourself a favor if you are considerate of their time and make the most of it by being prepared. Be aware that not all of your questions may be able to be answered during the allotted consultation time, however, you can select the most important or applicable questions to ask first. Bring a pencil or pen and a pad of paper to jot down answers to your questions for later reference.

Don’t Be Afraid to Politely Interrupt Potential Attorney

The time spent during an initial consultation with your prospective divorce attorney is intended to do two things: one, it should help the lawyer determine whether they can take your case, and what kind of case it will be, and two, it should help you determine if you want to work with the particular attorney. Don’t be afraid to politely interrupt a line of conversation that doesn’t specifically serve either of these purposes. Topics outside these issues are generally considered less prudent to discuss during the first consultation.

Make Sure You and Your Prospective Long Island Divorce Lawyer Are On the Same Page 

Most importantly, you should take time during your initial consultation to make sure you and the attorney you are considering hiring or on the same page regarding your case. For example, if your goal is to attempt to mediate your divorce and the attorney you are consulting with is pressuring you to litigate, this is a clear sign that you and the attorney aren’t seeing eye to eye. Alternatively, you may be set on litigating your contentious divorce because you stand to gain the most from doing so, but the attorney seems fearful of going to court and may pressure you to accept an unfair settlement. 

Be cognizant of the fact that an experienced divorce lawyer knows the intricacies of the law, and the courts, and therefore what is possible to achieve in your particular case. He or she may steer you in a direction where you can get the best possible outcome with the lease possible investment in time and money.

Make sure the lawyer you hire listens to what is important to you and takes your thoughts into consideration when determining how best to proceed with your family legal case. If you feel like the attorney you’re meeting with has an agenda other than what is in your best interest, it may be a good idea to consult with a second or even third Long Island divorce lawyer for another opinion. 

Need Help With Your Divorce? Call Hornberger Verbitsky P.C., Today

Don’t wait to get experienced legal help with your Long Island divorce. Dissolving your marriage, especially if you have children, is a difficult and emotionally draining process. You deserve affordable, comprehensive legal advocacy during this difficult time. Without it, your future and the future of your family could be impacted for years to come if a judge awards your ex-spouse with custody of your children against your will or determines that the family home will go to your ex or any number of other outcomes that can have a negative impact on your and your family’s future. 

Contact the experienced, aggressive New York divorce attorneys Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. today for a consultation by calling 631-923-1910. We are available now to provide you with the compassionate, zealous legal support your family needs right now. It’s crucial that you take action as soon as possible to start the ball rolling with a solid case.