Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce or just getting started, one of the most important decisions you can make is who to trust at the negotiating table and in court. Your divorce attorney isn’t just your legal representative; they are your biggest advocate and strongest champion.
With that in mind, it’s critical to make sure that you’re working with someone who you’re able to be open and honest with. Your attorney should listen to your concerns, address your questions, and make you feel as comfortable with the process as possible. That’s why in today’s blog article, we’re looking at signs that your attorney might not be the right one for you and that it may be time to shop around with your case.
Lack of Communication
There’s nothing more frustrating than someone who doesn’t return your calls, text messages and emails – especially when you are trusting that person to safeguard your future, personally and financially. Now, that’s not to say that you should fire your attorney just because they don’t pick up the phone at 2am. But if they repeatedly fail to return calls or answer emails, it may be time to consider finding someone that will be a bit more responsive.
Feeling Uncomfortable
Most divorce attorneys are used to dealing with sensitive situations and people in heightened emotional states. But that doesn’t always mean they’re good at it. If your attorney intimidates you – or even makes you feel bullied – by getting agitated and pressuring you to make decisions you aren’t ready for or comfortable with, you might want to look around for someone new to represent you.
Things Seem Hopeless
It’s natural to feel some level of sadness or even despair in a divorce – it’s an unpleasant situation no matter how amicable, and it’s common to feel like there isn’t a bright spot to make things seem better. Also, no divorce attorney should be making wild promises or guarantees just to spin things in a positive light. But if you consistently leave your attorney’s office feeling worse than when you went in, it may be worthwhile to find someone that can reassure you throughout this difficult time.
Skills Gap
This may seem nitpicky, but sometimes there are significant areas of your divorce case that require a specialist. If your attorney doesn’t have the expertise to handle a particular component of your divorce, you would likely be better served by someone who does.
