Questions to ask when hiring a divorce attorney in Milwaukee
Nothing in life can prepare you for dealing with the consequences of a divorce. While the decision can cause emotional turmoil, it also has legal consequences. If you want to file for divorce in Milwaukee, you must be a resident of the county for at least 30 days prior to filing. Also, either you or your spouse must be a state resident for at least six months. Once you have made up your mind, the next step should be about seeking legal help. Here are some questions to ask when you meet a Milwaukee divorce attorney.
How often do you take divorce cases in your practice?
Family law covers a wide range of cases, and you need an attorney who has experience handling divorces. Not all family lawyers in Milwaukee are the same, and you need to know if the attorney has worked on divorces that are similar to yours.
Have you handled contested divorces?
In Wisconsin, you can get a no-fault divorce based on the ground that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The consent of your spouse is not important. However, if your spouse doesn’t agree with you on key matters, it would be a contested divorce that would require a trial. Contested divorces take much longer and are often complicated in terms of work and documentation. Ensure that the lawyer you choose has worked on such cases.
How much would you charge?
Most divorce lawyers in Wisconsin charge anywhere between $200 and $500 as their fee. It largely depends on the nature of your case. Experienced lawyers may charge on the higher side, but if your divorce is a contested one with major issues, paying a good attorney is a wise idea. Just get an estimate in advance.
Have you handled collaborative divorces?
In a collaborative divorce, lawyers take the non-aggressive approach and ensure that their respective clients come to an acceptable agreement. Make sure that the attorney knows how to work in such situations. Lawyers have a key role in how spouses sort issues in a divorce, and their expertise and negotiation skills matter.
Final word
Now that you know the basics, don’t forget to shy away from discussing the strategy of your case. While you may not get an elaborate plan on day one, the right attorney will explain how they intend to deal with the divorce and ease your hassles. Also, get references of a few clients, although some lawyers may refuse that, citing privacy of clients.
