Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Collaborative Attorney

Choosing the right collaborative divorce attorney is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful divorce process. Before you hire a collaborative attorney, it’s important to ask the right questions to determine if they’re the best fit for your needs. Here are some key questions to consider:

1. How much experience do you have with collaborative divorce? It’s important to work with an attorney who has specific experience in collaborative divorce, not just general divorce cases. Ask about their training in collaborative law and how many collaborative cases they’ve handled.

2. What is your approach to the collaborative process? Each attorney may have a slightly different approach to collaborative divorce. Understanding their methodology can help you determine if it aligns with your goals and values.

3. How do you handle conflicts or impasses in the collaborative process? Collaborative divorce aims to resolve conflicts without going to court, but sometimes impasses occur. Ask how the attorney typically handles these situations and what strategies they use to keep negotiations moving forward.

4. What is the typical timeline for a collaborative divorce case? While every case is unique, an experienced attorney should be able to give you a general idea of how long the process might take based on their past cases.

5. How do you work with other professionals in the collaborative process? Collaborative divorce often involves other professionals like financial advisors or child specialists. Ask how the attorney coordinates with these professionals and integrates their input into the process.

6. What are your fees and how are they structured? Understanding the cost structure upfront is crucial. Ask about their hourly rate, retainer requirements, and any other potential costs associated with the collaborative process.

7. How do you communicate with clients throughout the process? Regular communication is key in collaborative divorce. Ask about their communication style and how often you can expect updates on your case.

8. What happens if the collaborative process doesn’t work out? While the goal is to reach a settlement through collaboration, it’s important to understand what happens if an agreement can’t be reached. Ask about the next steps in such a scenario.

9. Can you provide references from past collaborative divorce clients? Speaking with past clients can give you valuable insights into the attorney’s style and effectiveness in the collaborative process.

10. How do you ensure that the collaborative process remains child-focused (if applicable)? If you have children, it’s crucial that their needs remain a priority throughout the divorce process. Ask how the attorney incorporates children’s needs into the collaborative process.

Remember, the collaborative divorce process is built on open communication and cooperation. The attorney you choose should not only have the necessary legal expertise but also the interpersonal skills to guide you through this process effectively.

At Trusler Legal PLLC, we specialize in collaborative divorce and are committed to helping our clients navigate this process as smoothly as possible. We welcome these questions and any others you may have about our approach to collaborative divorce. If you’re considering a collaborative divorce and want to learn more about how we can assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.