There’s no doubt about it: divorce is expensive. Between filing fees, expert witnesses, mediation costs, going to court, and ensuring everyone gets the therapy they need, there’s a lot to pay for in a divorce case. And it’s not lost on us that one of the biggest expenses is often attorney’s fees.
Considering the eye-watering hourly rate for your average Dallas County divorce attorney, we understand how cutting out the family lawyer might seem like an attractive option. However, self-representation is rarely a good idea.
Divorce law is complicated and nuanced. This stressful, time-consuming process involves juggling many important rights—such as property, marital, and child custody—and without property representation, it can be easy to accidentally restrict or give up some of those rights. These mistakes can be tricky (sometimes impossible) to reverse and often end up being more expensive than simply hiring an experienced divorce lawyer in the first place.
At Warren and Migliaccio, we believe that finding the right attorney shouldn’t be part of your financial stress. That’s why we offer all our clients a free initial consultation with one of our divorce attorneys. Here’s what you need to know about that initial meeting and what our team of experienced Dallas divorce lawyers can do to protect your interests in a cost-efficient way.
The Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Attorney
Hiring a divorce attorney is the best way to protect your rights. Not only have they passed rigorous schooling requirements, but lawyers also have extensive experience working in cases just like yours. This knowledge and real-life experience make them a savvy investment for anyone dissolving their marriage. This is especially true for a contested divorce or for situations involving complex legal matters like domestic violence, child support, child custody, or spousal support.
Here’s a closer look at some benefits of hiring a divorce attorney for your divorce proceedings.
Expert Knowledge and Experience
Divorce lawyers deal with marital disputes on a near-daily basis. They are acutely familiar with the relevant laws involved and how Texas judges apply them. This makes them an invaluable resource for crafting a legal strategy for your unique situation. An attorney’s knowledge can protect your interests from unforeseen threats and steer you around common legal pitfalls.
A Level-Headed Advocate
Divorce isn’t just about the logistics of dividing one life into two. It’s also emotional, and nothing clouds rational judgment more than a breakup. As an outside third-party, your lawyer is not subject to these same emotional triggers. They are objective and level-headed, and this—combined with their expertise—makes them the perfect advocates for protecting your interests.
Logistics and Procedures
Filing for divorce has a lot of moving parts, deadlines, requirements, and boxes to check. On your own, it’s incredibly easy to miss one of these essential tasks. However, having an attorney means you don’t have to worry about that. Once hired, all the logistical checklists and procedures become their responsibility, freeing up your valuable mental energy to focus on more important things.
Reliable Legal Advice
Google is great, but it isn’t all-knowing. The internet is full of half-truths and blatantly incorrect information, making it an unreliable source for legal advice. A family law attorney is the opposite. It’s their job to answer your questions and alleviate concerns. And the answers they give come with the peace of mind of knowing the information is correct and up-to-date.
Financial Guru
The divorce process involves a lot of money and property rights. A good divorce attorney understands the inner workings of these financial matters, and, in fact, many firms work directly with financial and property experts. This knowledge makes them a powerful ally in areas like property division and spousal support, helping you make decisions that align with your interests and financial goals.
Find the Right Divorce Attorney for You
Deciding to hire a divorce lawyer is relatively straightforward, but finding the right one for you can be a little more challenging. When considering which firm is right for you, here are some factors to consider:
- Ask for Recommendations. Check with friends and relatives to see if there’s anyone they’d recommend. These glowing reviews can get your search started in the right direction.
- Qualifications and Experience. Think about your situation and specific areas of concern. Do you have children? Is this a high net worth divorce? If so, you might want to look for an attorney who specializes in these areas.
- Research the Reviews. Do your own research and make sure the person you’re hiring has good relationships with their clients.
- Fee Structure. Nothing is more frustrating than a vague price schedule. If financial awareness is one of your top priorities, find a lawyer with a transparent fee structure who is enthusiastic about staying within your financial goals.
- Communication. Ensure you are comfortable with both the method and frequency of your attorney’s communication. How they make you feel emotionally is also essential. Someone who makes you feel like a nuisance probably won’t work out in the long run.
- Trust and Care. How a person makes you feel is just as important as what they’re saying. Experience and skill do not make up for a lack of trust or empathy in the attorney/client relationship.
- Free Initial Consultation. Time is money, and offering a free initial consultation is one way to tell if an attorney values their bottom line more than personal connection.
Finding the right divorce attorney is a lot like dating. In both cases, research and online profiles can only tell you so much, and just because someone looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right for you.
That’s why meeting your potential attorneys in person is so important. This live interaction allows both sides to gauge compatibility and determine whether or not the relationship is a good fit.
What to Expect During Your Free Initial Consultation
An initial divorce consultation is the first in-person meeting a client has with their potential lawyer. This information-gathering conversation is similar to the kind of discussion you might have before getting a medical procedure done.
At this time, the attorney will assess your situation and discuss potential legal strategies, likely highlighting areas of strength and weakness with your case. Since they aren’t technically on retainer yet, this is usually a very broad-view discussion. Your goal should be to ask questions, voice concerns, and determine if they’re a good fit for your unique situation.
You can help this conversation succeed by coming to the meeting fully prepared. For example, before your appointment, make sure you:
- Prepare a written statement of the facts, along with basic personal information of all the parties involved.
- Know what you want, including any financial goals, preferred outcomes, and which things you are and are not willing to negotiate on.
- Write any questions you want answered.
- Bring copies of any relevant documents (such as a prenuptial agreement, tax filings, and pay stubs). These can help your attorney make a more accurate assessment of your case.
Texas divorce law protects these initial discussions. Everything you discuss during these meetings is confidential—even if you choose not to hire that particular attorney. This means you don’t have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands. Instead, you can speak freely, asking whatever questions you need to feel absolutely comfortable with your choice.
Schedule a Free Consultation with One Of Our Dallas Divorce Lawyers
Family law is complex and convoluted. Navigating this legal maze can be incredibly expensive; however, with so many rights and personal interests at stake, forgoing an attorney isn’t the best way to save money on a contested divorce.
At Warren & Migliaccio, we are deeply passionate about fighting for our clients in whatever capacity they need—including their financial goals. If you have questions about filing a divorce case and why hiring a Dallas County divorce attorney is worth the expense, we want to hear from you. For a free consultation, call our offices today at (888) 584-9614 or contact us online, and let an experienced divorce lawyer help design a legal strategy that fits within your unique needs and goals.
