Let’s face the facts, divorce attorneys are all over the DFW metroplex. However, they are not all created equal. There are those who practice in a multitude of legal fields and there are those who practice family law exclusively. There are those who work pro bono and those who don’t. But most importantly, there are those who you should put your trust in and those who you shouldn’t. In this article, I’ll give you five qualities you should look for in your divorce attorney so that you will be better able to pick the firm that’s right for you.

  • Responsive

Did you know that most client complaints about their attorneys are that they do not properly communicate? It seems like a simple thing, but the truth of the matter is not every attorney will give you the responsiveness you need. A good divorce lawyer knows that cases are stressful on clients and will do all they can to put you at ease. A good attorney won’t just read your questions and concerns in an email, but will do their best to address them as soon as they can.

  • Caring

There are attorneys who forget that counselor is a part of their job description. Tensions run high in a divorce, which means emotions often do as well. There will be times when you will need someone to give you general advice in addition to legal advice. That’s where a good divorce attorney comes in. Any attorney can callously handle your case. However, a good one will get to know you and treat you like a person instead of a case number.

  • Strategic

A good divorce attorney also knows when to be aggressive and when to show restraint. If you have someone who is constantly chomping at the bit for a fight, you run the risk of getting in a drawn out case, spending more than you need to, and potentially getting a worse outcome. On the other hand if you have an attorney who bows down to opposing counsel, you could find yourself being left out to dry in a bad settlement. It’s imperative that you find a divorce attorney who knows when it’s time to fight, and when it’s time to settle. Not an attack dog, not a bunny rabbit, but a fox. You want someone who has your best interest in mind, and will work for it in the most efficient way possible.

  • Knowledgeable

It sounds like a no brainer, but a good divorce attorney knows the law. There are attorneys who take divorce cases, but do not practice family law exclusively. This does not mean they are bad lawyers, but it can mean they may not understand all of the nuances in the Texas Family Code and the relative case law. An attorney who does nothing but family law will be best to represent you in a divorce, because it greatly reduces your chance of being blindsided in Court due to a misinterpretation of a statute.

  • Timely

The difference between the success and failure of your case could be one minute. If your attorney misses an important deadline by just one minute, there is a significant risk that you won’t be able to make certain objections or worse you won’t be able to present evidence at all. A good divorce attorney will plan out and monitor all of the deadlines in your case, regardless of whether they apply.

If you ever find yourself in need of an attorney for your divorce or for any family law matter; use these five traits to help you discern who is worth your time and money. During your consultation, ask their policy for emails and call backs. Ask if they are willing and able to help you settle a case or take it to trial if necessary. Ask them how much experience they have practicing family law specifically. If you find an attorney with these five qualities, you will be in good hands; and if you need help finding an attorney with these qualities reach out to O’Neil Wysocki Family Law. I will be happy to show you these qualities in action.