What to Look for in a Divorce Attorney in Avon Connecticut
Avon Connecticut is a town where couples and families thrive. The safe and picturesque town has a lot to offer families with good schools and lots of activities throughout the Hartford area. Like any other town in America, divorce can challenge the pleasure and peace of family life in Avon. A fair share of married couples end up looking for a divorce attorney in Avon, Connecticut each year once they are no longer satisfied in their relationship. When they do, it is important to know how to find the right lawyer for their circumstances.
Experience Matters
Experience matters when choosing a lawyer for the same reason that it does when you choose a new doctor, hairdresser, or plumber. The more a professional has been exposed to the same conditions as yours, the more they have learned and developed their skills. The fact is that the divorce laws in Connecticut can be very complex, especially for couples with unusual circumstances. You don’t want to gamble on a promising new attorney who has just passed his bar.
If you pick a new hairdresser, you may have to wait weeks or months until a bad haircut grows out. If you choose the wrong attorney, the consequences will be long-lasting and most likely, permanent. David M. Moore explains that during his more than twenty-three years of experience practicing family law in Connecticut, he has acquired a great deal of knowledge and skill resolve your divorce case through litigation or mediation.
Consider Their Reputation
Anyone who has never entered a courtroom may believe that every attorney is the same. TV shows and movies have led us to believe that are lawyers are deceitful and will use every trick in the book to win their case. While this may seem true to the defendant who is on the wrong side of the argument, the reality is that some lawyers care a great deal about getting the best outcome for their client according to the letter of the law. The factor that sets a reputable lawyer apart from one that is not is their record of success in resolving legal disputes while following the guidelines of the law. No court case should be based on winning at all costs, but on getting a fair outcome that is just for all parties. If a lawyer meets these criteria, you can bet they will have a reputation for being a good, successful attorney.
Get Referrals
With the previous point in mind, ask any friends or relatives who have gone through a divorce in your area if they would recommend their lawyer. Keep in mind that if they have had a controversial divorce that was fought out in litigation, they may not feel that the outcome was in their favor to the degree expected. To get the best referral, look for the person who has undergone the type of divorce you prefer or you might end up comparing apples to oranges.
Consider Mediation
More couples are opting for mediation for their divorce because it is faster, more private, and costs a lot less than litigation. If you are considering mediation, then you want to look for an experienced divorce attorney in Avon, Connecticut who is also a skilled mediator. Although mediation can be very successful if you have a skilled mediator, there is always the possibility that you won’t be able to come to an agreement in all the details of your divorce. When that happens, you will want an attorney who is also skilled at litigation.
Ask About Fees
Often, attorneys work on contingency meaning that you don’t have to pay anything until the divorce case is final. Although this may be tempting, the end result can be a large portion of your final settlement. Keep in mind that it is in the best interest of the attorney to keep your case going as long as possible in order to collect more fees.
Mediation, on the other hand, is typically a lump sum that is much smaller than that of a courtroom trial. You pay up front and don’t have to worry about losing a lot of what it is you are fighting for. Make sure you understand exactly what your fees will be and when you are expected to pay them to prevent nasty surprises at the end.
If You Have Children
Children should always be a top priority in a divorce, including the decision about custody and child support. Make sure the attorney you choose has experience in custody matters as well as visitation and child support.
Even if these are some of the issues that need to be worked out between you and your spouse, mediation may be the right venue for you. It gives both spouses room to work out agreements that are right for both spouses and the children alike. Instead of battling in the courtroom, you can work together as parents to determine what arrangement will be best for them.
Schedule a Consultation
Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to look at your case and determine your options. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the attorney and decide if you feel comfortable with them and can communicate easily. Your attorney will be representing your interests and goals. You want someone who understands what matters to you and who can represent your concerns in the courtroom or through the mediation process.
Choosing a divorce attorney in Avon, Connecticut from the many that you will find available is a lot more difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Check out websites to research the qualifications and experience of several attorneys to see which one has the best history of success. Talk to your spouse about the possibility of mediation as an alternative to a long, expensive court case that could end up with every party getting less than what they had hoped for. The right attorney will know how to guide you through a process that is best for all involved.