Four Essential Tips for Choosing a Divorce Attorney in Grand Rapids

Making the decision to begin a divorce process is never easy, but it is unfortunately quite common. Approximately 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce (this figure increases to 60-70% for second marriages). If you are facing the prospect of a divorce, finding the right divorce attorney in Grand Rapids for your needs is key to ensuring that you have the outcome that serves your best interests.

Type of Divorce

Not all divorces are the same, and it is essential that your attorney be equipped to handle any complexities in your specific case. In Michigan, both fault and no-fault divorces are available. A no-fault divorce can simplify and streamline the divorce process but, in some cases, a fault divorce may be necessary. Similarly, a collaborative divorce will mean that you can bypass the need for a court case, but may not always be possible.

If you have real estate or children, a divorce attorney who specializes in ensuring that your interests are represented is essential. Spending some time researching your attorney and what they specialize in will help to make sure they are the right fit for you.

Budget

Choosing your divorce attorney is always a balancing act between finding the most experienced and dedicated person and considering what you can afford. Uncovering the details of your attorney’s pricing structure and fees will help to give you a clear idea of affordability.

It can be worth considering that, in some situations, it is less cost-effective or sensible to choose the cheapest attorney possible. If you could lose a lot of assets, access to your children, etc, then it will often be a better idea to focus more on experience and their ability to represent you rather than the initial cost.

Create a List of Questions

When you have an initial meeting with your divorce attorney, it can be common for you to forget all the things that you wanted to ask. Creating a list of questions beforehand can help you to get all the details you need about what types of divorces they are experienced in, how they would plan to address your case, and any details that are important.

Communication Style

Ultimately, you will be working closely with your divorce attorney during what will likely be an upsetting time. You may never have experienced a divorce before, and this can leave you feeling a little lost. Finding an attorney with a responsive and effective communication style, who is willing to answer questions, and who will help you understand what to expect, can make a big difference to the emotional impact the process will have on you.

Preparing well for your divorce can help to ensure that your best interests are protected. And perhaps the most effective preparation you can make is to hire a divorce attorney that will work best for your needs. We offer personalized, specialized, and compassionate representation for all types of divorce. Contact us today at Van Den Heuvel Law Office, Grand Rapids, MI to request a consultation with one of our experienced and dedicated divorce attorneys.