8 Tips for Choosing a Montgomery County, PA Divorce Lawyer | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz (2024)

By Sheryl Rentz on May 15, 2024

Choosing the right divorce lawyer is a critical decision. With the emotional and financial stakes involved in the divorce process, you’ll want to find an attorney who has the necessary experience, but it’s also important to find choose someone who makes you feel comfortable.

Your relationship with your divorce attorney sets the tone for your legal journey and post-divorce chapter of your life. The emotional support and personalized advice offered by a divorce lawyer will help provide peace of mind during a stressful time, and help you make a successful transition to the next stage of your life.

Meet with More Than One Lawyer Before Deciding

It’s hard to know how good something is unless you have something else to compare it to. Let’s say you needed to buy a new car. You might really like the first one you test drive, but maybe there are other cars out that have features you haven’t even thought about.

By meeting with more than one potential divorce attorneys, you’ll probably discover that one or more of them stands out among the crowd. When you make your final decision, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable about the choice you made.

Have Your Questions Ready in Advance

Before meeting with a potential divorce lawyer, prepare a list of questions. This helps ensure that you’ll cover all your essential concerns, and it will allow you to assess the lawyer’s expertise and suitability for your case. You may wish to ask about their experience with similar cases, their approach to negotiation and litigation, and how they handle complexities such as child custody or high-asset property division.

You can also inquire about the expected timeline, their communication process, and which other staff members you’ll be working with. You’ll also want to ask about fees and billing to ensure their cost structure aligns with your budget.

Check Out Their Reviews and Testimonials

When researching a potential divorce lawyer, paying close attention to reviews and testimonials is vital. These insights can provide a glimpse into the experiences of past clients and the lawyer’s track record. Look for patterns in feedback — consistent mentions of professionalism, promptness, and successful outcomes are positive signs. On the other hand, repeated complaints can be a red flag. Remember that while reviews can be informative, they should be one of many factors you consider.

Choose Someone Who Makes You Feel Comfortable

Comfort and compatibility with your divorce lawyer are crucial. You’ll be sharing sensitive information and relying on this person to represent your interests. Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates with you. Are they approachable and empathetic? Do they explain legal concepts in a way that you can understand?

Trust your instincts — if you feel uneasy after the initial consultation, it’s time to look elsewhere. Having a good rapport with your attorney will ease the stress of divorce proceedings and help foster a more collaborative environment.

Trust your judgment and consider how you are going to feel discussing intimate details with the lawyer. This personal connection is essential, as it sets the foundation for an effective attorney-client relationship. A lawyer who listens to your concerns and speaks to you with respect and understanding is much more likely to be more supportive and engaged throughout your case.

Choose Someone Who Is Transparent About Fees and Costs

Transparency regarding fees and costs is a cornerstone of trust between you and your divorce lawyer. An upfront and clear explanation of how you will be charged helps prevent surprises and misunderstandings down the line. It will also allow you to budget effectively and make informed decisions about your case without having to worry about unanticipated expenses.

Every divorce lawyer should be able to provide a detailed fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer amounts, and additional costs like court filing fees or charges for outside services. If a potential divorce lawyer is unwilling to openly discuss their fees, or if they avoid giving you a straightforward answer, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.

Choose Someone Who Goes Over All Your Options, Including Mediation

A comprehensive approach to divorce includes considering all available options, and this should definitely include mediation. Mediation can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional courtroom battles, often leading to a quicker and more amicable resolution.

Your lawyer should be prepared to discuss whether mediation is suitable for your case and openly compare it with the cost of other options such as litigation. This demonstrates the lawyer’s commitment to finding the most favorable and efficient solution for your specific circ*mstances.

Talk to a Friend Who’s Been Through a Divorce

Talking to a trusted friend who’s already been through the divorce process provides valuable insights you won’t get anywhere else. Friends can provide details about what to expect and share the lessons they’ve learned.

A friend can tell you what to look for and traits to avoid when seeking legal representation. Your friend can also be a sounding board, allowing you to openly express your concern while providing valuable guidance about the journey ahead.

Make Sure the Divorce Attorney Has a Thriving Family Law Practice

Choosing a lawyer who specializes in family law is essential. Family law is a complex field with its own set of rules and best practices, and lawyers who focus on this area are more likely to be up to date with the latest legal developments and court judgments.

A knowledgeable family law attorney will have a deep understanding of the nuances involved in divorce cases, such as custody battles, spousal support, and division of assets. They will have experience dealing with the emotional dynamics that often accompany family law disputes.

Montgomery County, PA Divorce and Family Law Attorney Sheryl R. Rentz

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we’ve been providing compassionate and effective legal services to divorce and family law clients in Pennsylvania for over 25 years. Sheryl R. Rentz has a Superb rating from Avvo, and she was selected as a Top Attorney by Suburban Life Magazine.

To schedule a FREE initial case review, call (610) 645-0100 today.