Choosing the RIGHT Family Lawyer - Part 2
Choosing the Right Family Lawyer for YOU
So, you’ve found the pathway to divorce that makes sense for YOU and your ex. (If you haven’t read the previous blog post here)
But WHO are you going to enlist to help? And HOW are you going to find the right professional to guide & support you in your unique situation?
Like finding your perfect hairdresser, or the ideal psychologist, it can be tricky to find that person who will be the best fit; the exact right person for YOU.
To start, let’s take this back a few steps. My question for you is not initially about choosing a divorce lawyer but about choosing someone else… Let’s use a medical professional for example.
If you need a specialist medical treatment, say, a Pap Smear for the VJ owners, or a Prostate exam for those of you who don’t, who are you going to choose & how will you make that decision?
Would you Google “cheapest Pap Smear near me?” and go with the first Dr that pops up?
Would you trust someone you’ve never met, barely spoken to, who has no idea of who you are, or your medical history, but just happens to work right near you and hits the lowest price point? Would you trust them to get up close and personal with your VJ?
Let’s be honest here… Probably not. Well, I know I wouldn’t.
I’d want someone specifically trained, someone experienced and someone who deeply cared about what they were doing. I’d want someone who would make me feel comfortable, clarify any questions or doubts I had, and ensure that we achieve the best outcome.
Whether you’re searching for a gynaecologist, or a divorce lawyer, the process isn’t terribly different. To find the right practitioner for YOU, it’s often useful to get advice from those around you.
HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT DIVORCE LAWYER
ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
When you’re looking for that perfect practitioner for a delicate procedure, you may ask friends, “who’s had a great experience with a Pap Smear?” Well, as great as that experience can be… But those closest to you will usually give you the honest truth.
Remember, though, it’s important to stick to your values, as I mentioned in the previous blog post. If a high-conflict divorce isn’t what you’re after, don’t be swayed when someone zealously suggests “you should go with Lawyer X! My cousin’s best friend’s girlfriend’s sister used him! He was amazing, fought tooth and nail for every little thing and she got to keep the house AND screw over her ex!”
Although Lawyer X worked in one situation, if that’s not the pathway you’ve chosen or the outcome you’re after, they may not be the right fit for YOU.
You may ask colleagues, or those in your wider social circle, if they can recommend doctors who consistently deliver a great, safe, effective and kind service. Ditto for a family or divorce lawyer.
ASK OTHER PROFESSIONALS
I know I would also seek guidance from other professionals who work in the same area. For a Pap Smear, that may be asking your trusted GP to recommend a gynaecologist, or write a referral for one.
As we know it’s not all that different, the same can be said when you’re looking for the best family lawyer to guide you through your divorce. Whilst you might ask your GP for the best gynaecologist, for a family lawyer it might mean checking in with your psychologist, your accountant or financial advisor, even your real estate agent. Of course, you can also ask your coach for recommendations.
These professionals will be armed with recommendations, and able to offer suggestions for someone will provide you with both the support you need and the outcome that is aligned with your values.
CHOOSE A DIVORCE LAWYER WITH ALIGNED VALUES
When it comes to your values, whoever you choose as your practitioner should be openly supportive of YOU and how you want YOUR divorce to be. While guiding & advising you, they also shouldn’t push you too quickly, or too hard down a path that you’re either not ready or willing to go.
Finally, and I can’t stress this enough, choose someone you can TRUST.
CHOOSE A DIVORCE LAWYER YOU FEEL YOU CAN TRUST
Choose someone who feels trustworthy. Who feels like they know what they’re doing. will act in alignment with what you most want and will hold a safe space for you while being experienced enough to support your unique circumstances.
Knowing you have someone, a trusted, trained professional, in your corner who will support and guide you in navigating the bumpy road of divorce will reduce your stress enormously. Having someone you TRUST will also help to clear the path, pre-empt obstacles and steer you around them (before you smack headlong into them) and shine a light on what can seem like a dark and daunting process.
Also TRUST yourself to choose. If on meeting with a potential lawyer, it doesn’t feel quite right KEEP LOOKING.
For further support in choosing the right person for YOU, I’ve shared some more tips on the Reflect, Reclaim & Liberate Podcast. Listen HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts!
If you need some deeper support to navigate your journey, from choosing the right legal practitioner, to what your life will look like afterwards, let’s chat.
Book a free intro call to talk about how I can support you - another trusted, trained professional in your corner.