14 Secrets Your Spokane Divorce Attorney Probably Isn’t Telling You
Nowadays, the odds of getting married and staying married are about 50-50. Like the toss of a coin, you could end up with your lifelong partner or find yourself wading through a messy divorce.
If you’ve found yourself in the latter camp, you’re probably looking for the best Spokane divorce attorney to represent your case.
Most local Spokane divorce attorneys are fairly forthcoming and will be honest with you from the start, but even the best have some things they may not mention until they know you better. They may keep some things to themselves based on their general disposition, understanding of the circumstances, or temperament.
Lucky for you, we’ve researched all this juicy insider knowledge, and you should be doing your own homework too. If you’re considering consulting a Spokane divorce attorney, keep these 15 tips in mind.
#1 – You Might Not Ever Step Foot in Court…
You might have a couple of grand ideas about you standing before a judge while your ex-partner’s emotional crimes are paraded around in front of a jury.
Realistically, most divorce cases end in a settlement without ever being contested, meaning your courtroom daydreams might never happen.
Honestly, that’s probably a good thing… We think it’s better to be out of a trial than in one.
Trials are expensive, and you’ll have to work around a hundred different schedules to ensure one works out. Once you factor in kids (if you have any), it can just get that much messier.
#2 – Spokane Divorce Attorneys can be Expensive
Going through a divorce case can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. Yep, it can be that expensive.
The price is undoubtedly daunting, but knowing what you’re getting into financially can help you separate any past hurt you’ve felt to focus on the case.
#3 – You Must Remain Calm & Collected
You’re probably being flooded by a sea of emotions, but staying calm during divorce proceedings is always essential.
Keeping your emotions out of the case will help you and your attorney find the best settlement for you.
#4 – “Yes” Doesn’t Always Mean “Yes”
If picking a Spokane divorce attorney feels more like having your best bud cheer you up than consulting a legal professional, you should probably reconsider who you’re hiring.
Picking someone who doesn’t give you the honest reality of the situation is a disservice. If they’re only saying “yes,” you might need to say “no.”
#5 – A Win for Everyone Means a Win for You
As we talked about earlier, divorce is a messy, complex process. You might have entered into this whole legal battle looking to get even; a little financial win for the emotional damage you’ve sustained.
However, a reasonable divorce attorney will advise you to take the path that will lead to future peace and will steer you clear of coming for your ex-partner’s head.
This might not be what you want to hear, but it is what you’ll need to know at the end of the day. Try to reach a mutually beneficial settlement and move forward from there.
#6 – Solo Practitioners May Appear Good On Paper
Larger law firms will take on a more significant swath of cases than your average solo practitioner. This may lead you to hire solo in the hopes of a single attorney giving your case more time and attention.
However, the inverse effect often happens. With fewer resources and a smaller team to pull from, your case can quickly become neglected.
Our advice? Go with the more prominent firm to make sure your case is handled correctly.
#7 – Have You Read the Fine Print?
A ton of extra expenses get lobbed into a divorce attorney’s final invoice. How much do pages cost to print/fax? How much do you owe them for travel expenses? The costs tend to go on and on.
Before you start handing the attorney money, give your invoice a second glance and make sure to discuss any fees that seem sketchy to you.
#8 – Legal Divorce Proceedings are Not a Way to Get Even
We’ve touched on this a little already, but it’s worth reiterating; this should never be a way for you to get back at your ex-spouse.
Divorce is a quagmire (emotionally speaking), but that shouldn’t affect how your case proceeds. Do yourself, your family, and your divorce attorney a favor and keep revenge out of this one.
#9 – “They’re Not In Right Now. Can I Take a Message?”
You’re going to hear this a lot during your case. As your case proceeds, receptionists and answering machines will often be your main point of communication.
This isn’t necessarily bad; divorce attorneys can get pretty busy with your case and others they might be handling. Try not to let it stress you out.
However, you might need to find a better lawyer if you encounter extended periods without hearing from your attorney.
#10 – Your Divorce Attorney might not be as Qualified as You Think
Many divorce attorneys help their clients reach settlements without ever going to trial. This might work for them, but it may not be such a great idea for you.
Finding an attorney who actively avoids court can lead you to take a less-than-ideal settlement. Instead, find someone who’s a confident negotiator, whether in trial or out.
#11 – Aggressive Spokane Divorce Attorneys Won’t Help
You might think you need someone who will be a “killer” to get the job done and win your case, but as we’ve already mentioned, anger and revenge are not great ideas when it comes to to divorce mediation.
Try to stick with a Spokane divorce attorney who’s a little more peaceable; otherwise, you may end up with a case going on for too long.
#12 – Asking Around is Critical
The clock is ticking; you need to get someone to take your case fast. You might feel a little anxious about getting someone to represent you, but you should never rush in when hiring a Spokane divorce attorney.
This person will ensure you are advised correctly in your divorce, so don’t just pick the first attorney you find on Google. Instead, take your time, find one that feels like an intelligent choice, and go from there.
#13 – Fixed Rates aren’t as Promising as They Seem
With fluctuating prices and unpredictable costs popping up all over your invoice, it can feel tempting to go with a flat-rate attorney. One low price might seem better on the surface, but it can backfire quickly.
If you and your ex-partner decide to settle relatively quickly, the unnecessary expenses can feel like wasted resources.
On the other hand, if things end up going on for a lot longer than expected, your trusted attorney might not be so keen on ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
#14 – Dress to Impress
All judges are called to be impartial, but if you show up wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt covered in grease stains, you might get the short end of the stick on this one.
If your divorce attorney asks you to clean yourself up a bit for any time you’re in court, you should probably listen.
Check out our online directory here at Spokane.Law if you’re trying to track down a nearby divorce attorney to represent your case!
We’ve collected all the best law firms in our area so that you can find a Spokane divorce attorney suited to your exact needs. As we’re still getting started with our new directory, you may have better luck (for the time being) doing a few google searches for terms such as “best divorce lawyers spokane“.
