5 Questions to Ask Your Illinois Divorce Attorney 

 Posted on November 16, 2020 in Divorce

With so many attorneys in practice in the United States, it is important for potential clients to know how to weed out those who will fight for them from those who simply want to look busy. It can be very helpful to come into an attorney’s office with a list of questions to ask and to know which answers you want to hear. Divorce is one of the most stressful events most people will experience, and ensuring you have a quality attorney on your side can make an enormous difference. Some important questions to ask include:

#1. What Is Your Experience Level?

While some people think family law is a "safe" or easy discipline, it is in fact extraordinarily complex. In Illinois, it is arguably more so, as many rules and laws do not necessarily align with those of other states. It can be a game-changer—for the worse—if your attorney does not have significant family law experience, as regulations frequently change and the stakes in these cases tend to be very high.

#2. Will You Handle My Case Personally?

It is sadly common for attorneys to bait and switch, highlighting the most experienced or reliable member of their firm to land a case, and then delegating most of the work to a junior associate or even a paralegal or other staffer without a law degree. If an attorney is evasive as to whether or not they will be personally handling your case, it is rarely a good sign.

#3. What Is Your Style?

While it may sound inconsequential, understanding how an attorney likes to conduct themself in court and while facing the opposing party can be a boon to help you decide whether or not they are a good fit for you. If you fear your divorce will be high-pressure and full of acrimony, you need an attorney who is comfortable in such a situation. If you are looking for a reasonably fast, fair settlement, a more laid-back legal professional who focuses on negotiations may be a better option.

#4. How Will Payment Be Handled?

Even if a couple has very few assets, most divorce cases still do require a decent outlay of money. Many attorneys require a retainer, which is basically a deposit that either reserves the attorney’s time for a set period or is intended as an advance payment that the attorney earns by working over time. There are also filing fees and other incidentals, which are usually fronted by the attorney who is then reimbursed, but not every attorney handles these issues in the same way. It is a good idea to ask about the financial aspect before entering any kind of representation agreement.

#5. How Quickly Do You Think a Case Like Mine Can Be Resolved?

While no attorney can guarantee that a divorce case will conclude at a certain point, they can usually give a rough estimate, or at the very least, they should be able to advise you as to how quickly they like to work and how much time they will have to devote to your case. If an attorney refuses to give any kind of estimate, it may indicate that they do not have a sense of how they like to work.

Contact a St. Charles Family Law Attorney

When divorce happens, it affects both parties and their children, if any, in a truly profound way. Having the right legal help can make the process smoother and less painful overall for everyone involved. Contact the passionate Kane County divorce lawyers at Goostree Law Group to get the guidance you need. Call 630-584-4800 for a free consultation today.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59