The Importance of Hiring the Right Divorce Attorney

divorce lawyer hiring

Follow These Tips To Hire The Right Divorce Lawyer For You!

divorce lawyer hiringHiring the “right” divorce lawyer  for you is critically important. I have written about it several times on this blog over the years. Not a whole lot has changed since my first series of Articles in December 2007 and January 2008. Click here to read the version I merged and reposted on March 3, 2018.

What has changed I believe is the increasing number of cases where parties hire and fire several lawyers who have represent them. I have one case going now where the wife is on her fourth lawyer and the case is over 2 years old. I also have several others where I am the second lawyer involved. So, I have spent some time recently reflecting upon this seemingly “new” dynamic. Obviously, each case has its own fact pattern to support the change in counsel, but it reinforces my opinion even more about the importance of dhiring the “right” lawyer at the start of your divorce representation.

Consequences of Not Hiring the “Right” Divorce Lawyer Initially

  1. Communication Styles Don’t Mesh

    A typical divorce can routinely take easily 6 to 9 months to complete. Ones with

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Blast From The Past: Tips on Dealing with Your Divorce Lawyer [And Why it Matters]

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

PUBLISHERS NOTE: Having recently completed 4 very lengthy high conflict cases over the last few months, I find myself reflecting about the facets of the attorney/client relationship in each. In a different way, each was exceedingly grueling. So I decided to reread several of my past blog articles on this topic. Below is one from 4 years ago which I like a lot.
I would now add another piece of advice to it – “Extreme perseverance may be required to obtain your goals”. While disentangling the parties quickly is always the goal, unfortunately that may not be possible in all cases. At the initial conference, I typically explain to clients that a divorce often is more like a marathon race than a sprint. Work closely and communicate well with your divorce lawyer to understand where your case is headed and all of your options! Stay strong and be prepared to persevere as necessary!

How To Get The Best Outcome From Your Divorce Lawyer

divorce lawyer best outcome

So, you have selected your divorce lawyer. Here are some tips for how to deal with him/her to hopefully achieve the best outcome possible.

  1. Be Candid and Honest – Don’t ever leave your divorce lawyer in the
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Blast From The Past: New Year, New Divorce? Things to Consider First!

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

Should you file for Divorce in January?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on January 20, 2018. We have a ton of interesting articles in our archives of the Ohio Family Law Blog. Use our Search tool and enjoy a few oldie but goodies!

January Most Popular Month for Couples to File for Divorce

file divorce januaryExperts say that January is the most popular month of the year for couples to file for divorce in Ohio. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), it is common for couples to put off their divorce plans until after the first of the year. Even though many couples are struggling with their marriage before the holiday season, they tend to push back getting a divorce in order to make the holidays more enjoyable and memorable for their kids.

According to Cathy Meyer, who founded DivorcedWomenOnline.com and is a certified divorce consultant stated, “Dissatisfied husbands and wives begin searching for information on divorce immediately after the holidays”. She has experienced a huge increase in page views and searches the day after Christmas. People start looking for information before the New Year … Read More... “Blast From The Past: New Year, New Divorce? Things to Consider First!”

Searching for a Divorce Lawyer? Reflections After 40 years of Divorce Practice…

divorce lawyer

Selecting The RIGHT Divorce Lawyer Vs. Selecting The Pitbull/Gladiator Divorce Lawyer. Who Would WIN?

divorce lawyerNot every divorce lawyer is built the same, not do they approach cases the same. This is not surprising perhaps, but personalities and approaches do matter when selecting your divorce lawyer. Before selecting your divorce lawyer, be sure to interview several experienced and recommended ones in your area.

There are a lot of good articles on the web laying out questions to ask each lawyer so you can evaluate their experience, communication style, present caseload, familiarity with issues like yours, etc.

Here is an Important Consideration: Are you looking for a fight or a settlement?

You should discuss this with the lawyers you interview and listen carefully to their responses. Are they the “Pit Bull/Gladiator” type? Or, are they the “Snowflake/Rollover” type? Or, perhaps something in between? I have been handling divorce issues for 40 years. Many possible clients assume that the “Pit Bull/Gladiator” lawyer is the best type for ALL divorce cases. This is not true unless you are simply looking for a huge fight or to punish your spouse. A “good” divorce lawyer is one who knows how to be strategic. I typically … Read More... “Searching for a Divorce Lawyer? Reflections After 40 years of Divorce Practice…”

Blast From The Past: An Experienced Family Law Attorney – PRICELESS!

Blast from the past 13 years Ohio Family Law Blog

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This blog is as meaningful today as it was when we originally posted it on August 22, 2008. Securing an experienced divorce lawyer (that you are comfortable with) is EXTREMELY important! If after your first consultation your gut tells you that you still have questions, keep interviewing other potential lawyers. You will recognize the “right” one when you meet him/her!

Why You Should Hire an Experienced Family Law Attorney

divorce family law attorneyGordon Gibb recently wrote an excellent article for lawyersandsettlements.com about the importance of hiring an experienced divorce lawyer. He lasers in on the topic with his opening sentences. “If there ever was a more important role for lawyers and litigation professionals, it is in family law. Corporate law, environmental law, even real estate law has nuthin’ on the complexities and the drama that explodes from divorce petitions, custody battles-even who gets to keep the family dog”. 

He concludes with “Experts suggest that if your relationship looks as though it is coming apart and you’re considering divorce, the best couple of hundred bucks you’ll ever spend is by sitting down with a reputable family law firm for a consultation. In an hour, the family attorneys can give Read More... “Blast From The Past: An Experienced Family Law Attorney – PRICELESS!”

I’ve Been Served with a Divorce, Do I Really Need to Talk With A Lawyer?

experienced divorce lawyer

Schedule An Appointment With An Experienced Divorce Lawyer

Avoid “Getting The Shaft”, Talk To An Experienced Divorce Lawyer!

experienced divorce lawyer ohio

Like most veteran divorce lawyers, I have seen lots of situations where a party ignores a summons and complaint for divorce, to his/her peril. The excuses I frequently hear are:

  1. I’m too busy;
  2. We have only been married for just a short time;
  3. My spouse will treat me fairly;
  4. I don’t need to spend money for a lawyer
  5. I am too depressed to deal with it, and if I ignore it, I can fight it later if necessary; or
  6. My spouse will get everything anyway since I have been a lousy spouse.

Truthfully, all of these “excuses” are poor ones. Scheduling an appointment with an experienced divorce lawyer is not an expensive pro-active investment. Some lawyers even offer a free initial conference.

What will happen if you simply ignore the divorce filing?

  1. The case will be set for a non-contested default hearing;
  2. Your spouse (and his/her divorce lawyer) will submit a Final Decree of Divorce for the Court’s approval;
  3. There will be little inquiry by the Judge if the facts are correct or the orders are fair or equitable;
  4. No
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Three Costly Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce!

divorce lawyer avoid mistakes

Listening To Advice From Friends And Relatives Not Always Wise In Divorce. Choose The Right Divorce Lawyer For Your Case!

divorce lawyer mistakes

No one expected that they would later be involved in a divorce when they married. But unfortunately, not all marriages are “forever”.  Clients facing a divorce generally want it to be fair, drama free, inexpensive and quick.

As a Dayton, Ohio, family law lawyer for 40 years, I have lots of experience helping people in all kinds of divorce situations from relatively simple cases to complex high conflict cases. Here are some tips based on the experience that I have gained.

What are the 3 Top Costly Mistakes to Avoid in a Divorce?

  1. Choosing the right attorney
  2. Ignoring the divorce complaint
  3. Listening to advice from friends and relatives

Choosing the Right Attorney

Divorce law is an extremely complicated practice area. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find an experienced divorce lawyer that you have interviewed and to whom you can relate. Interview several. Take the time to get recommendations from family and friends who have gone through a divorce in your area.  Read online reviews. Not all attorneys are the same. Avoid at all costs the “generalist” … Read More... “Three Costly Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce!”

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