When your marriage is ending, you need to look for a divorce attorney who can protect your legal rights during this critical time in your life. A divorce attorney can guide you through the legal process and offer you legal advice based on your particular situation. While it can be challenging to find a divorce lawyer in Colorado, it’s crucial that you choose the one who is right for you.
You have many choices of divorce lawyers in Colorado. Not all divorce attorneys are the same. Hiring a divorce lawyer who does not have the necessary experience, training, knowledge, or approach could harm your case.
When searching for the best divorce lawyer in Colorado, follow these tips:
Ask for Recommendations in Colorado
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to find an attorney in Colorado. You can ask friends, family members, coworkers, or others whom you know have recently gone through a divorce for their personal recommendations. These individuals may have an inside look into what it was like to work with a particular attorney and may be able to recommend (or not) the lawyer they used.
If no one you know recently went through a divorce, you can ask your professional contacts for recommendations. Accountants, other lawyers, clergy members, or others may be able to suggest a Boulder divorce attorney.
Research the Best Divorce Colorado Lawyers
Another method of finding a divorce attorney is to research them online. Use Google or Apple Maps to find local attorneys in your area. These platforms also provide a forum for former clients to leave reviews about their personal experience, which can be helpful to see.
When researching attorneys, check with the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel to determine if any disciplinary actions or complaints have been filed against them.
Check Review Websites
Several online legal directories list local attorneys, including their profiles, reviews, and ratings, such as Avvo, Justia, Super Lawyers, and Martindale.com. Fellow attorneys often leave ratings and reviews for other attorneys they practice with or against. This information can provide you with additional information about a lawyer’s experience and reputation. However, some attorneys pay to be at the top of the list, so a higher spot on the list does not necessarily indicate a better lawyer. Research specific attorneys on these platforms rather than resting solely on their location on the page. You can also check review sites, such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook, for more information.
Review Their Website
Check the attorney’s law firm website, looking for the following:
- Information: Does the attorney do a good job of explaining divorce and the legal issues involved in it on the website? Do they offer ebooks, blogs, or other resources to help?
- Accessibility: Does the attorney have an online portal that allows clients to stay in touch better with them? Is there a guarantee about how promptly the attorney will return your phone calls or messages?
- Focus area: Does the attorney say they focus exclusively on family law, or are they a “general practice” lawyer who practices in various types of law? Look for a concentration in divorce and family law.
- Results: Are results from cases listed that can give you a better sense of how experienced the attorney is and how often they are successful?
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous clients, but be aware that many Colorado attorneys will only post the most favorable reviews on their website. Supplement these reviews with others that appear online to get a better gauge of the client experience.
Narrow Down Your Decision
With this information in mind, narrow your decision down to two or three options. From here, you can schedule a time to meet with the few remaining lawyers on your list. It is well worth your time to personally meet with the lawyer so you can get a better sense of their communication style and what it would feel like to work with them. You’ll likely be working with the family lawyer you hire for the next few months, so you want to ensure this process is as seamless as possible.
What Questions Should I Ask a Colorado Lawyer During a Consultation?
Before meeting with potential attorneys, prepare a short list of questions you want to ask. Some possible questions include:
- How many years have you been licensed to practice law?
- What is your experience in divorce and family law cases?
- Have you handled cases like mine before? What were the outcomes of those cases?
- Do you concentrate on family law?
- What percentage of your practice is dedicated to divorce cases?
- What are the specific legal issues my case might involve?
- What are the potential outcomes for my case?
- Who will be working on my case – you, an associate, or a paralegal?
- How often will you be in contact with me about my case?
- What form of communication do you regularly use?
- How quickly can I expect a response from you?
- What is your approach to cases like mine?
- What professional organizations are you part of?
- How do you stay informed about the latest changes in the law?
- How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with opposing parties or their attorneys?
- What are your fees?
Understand the Fee Structure
Finally, make sure you understand the attorney’s fee structure. Attorneys may use different types of fee arrangements, and attorney fees can vary dramatically from one attorney to the next. Ask the lawyer about their fee structure (whether it is hourly, a flat fee, or some other arrangement), payment schedules, and costs you may be responsible for. Check if you will be responsible for paying a retainer, which is a large upfront deposit attorneys sometimes require to ensure they get paid for their services.
Schedule Your Consultation with Stahly Miner LLC
The best way for you to get to know us is to schedule a confidential consultation. We can answer your questions, explain how we can help, and identify the specific legal issues involved in your case. Call us today at (303) 797-2900 to schedule your confidential consultation.