Divorce is one of the most momentous events of your life — a true crossroads. Like any crossroads, the direction you take when you find yourself there has a tremendous impact on the rest of your journey. And divorce involves many smaller decisions, all of which can affect the outcome. One of the first of these decisions, arguably the most important, is your choice of a divorce attorney.
How do you choose the best divorce attorney in Arizona from among thousands of options? The answer, surprisingly, does not begin with looking at divorce attorneys. Instead, your first step should be to figure out what “the best divorce attorney” means to YOU.
Assessing Your Needs for a Divorce Attorney
No matter how skilled, experienced, or educated your divorce attorney is, you will not be able to have a successful outcome at the end of your divorce if you don’t have a sense of what you want to achieve going in. Therefore, your first questions should be to yourself.
What would a successful resolution of your divorce look like? Lots of time with your kids? Keeping certain property? Getting a divorce quickly? Not having to pay too much money to unwind your marriage? When you know your goals, you can look for an attorney who has a record of success meeting needs like yours.
Also, keep in mind whether there are special circumstances in your marriage. Are you or your spouse in the military or a retired military member? You’ll want an attorney who is experienced in military divorces. If domestic violence is an issue in your marriage, you’ll want an attorney who is sensitive to the implications that has for your divorce. Similarly, having a prenuptial agreement, being a member of a same-sex married couple, or having significant community assets such as a business operated by either spouse during the marriage, requires particular experience and skills. Look for an attorney who is knowledgeable about the issues that matter to you. An attorney who did a great job for your cousin, neighbor, or hairdresser, but doesn’t have the skill set you need, won’t get you the results you want.
Who is the best attorney in the Valley?
Okay, so you’ve assessed your goals for your divorce, and you’ve identified any special needs you have in the divorce. Now how do you know whether you’ve found the best divorce attorney in the Valley?
In the final analysis, the best divorce attorney in the Valley is the one you can trust to guide you safely through the crossroads and get you what you need to move confidently down the road.
Ideally, you’re going to want an attorney who practices only family law. You will also want an attorney who is deeply familiar with the protocols specific to the family courts in Maricopa County.
It’s good to get referrals from friends, colleagues, and family members, but remember that their needs may have been different from yours. Interview multiple attorneys to get a basis for comparison. Not only will you want to get a sense of their skills, you’ll want to see if you feel comfortable with them. Divorce is a journey. Your attorney is your guide and advocate. In the final analysis, the best divorce attorney in the Valley is the one you can trust to guide you safely through the crossroads and get you what you need to move confidently down the road.
The family law attorneys at Shaffer Family Law can assist you with the specific needs of your divorce and they will make sure you understand the process throughout each phase. Contact us to schedule your consultation. (480) 470-3030
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