Tips to Help You Choose a Cheap Divorce Lawyer

by Joseph Carter

According to 50% of the U.S. married population, divorce is one thing they can live without. Divorce causes strain, anxiousness, and can definitely exhaust the bank account. As much as we would like to avert experiencing a divorce, there comes a point when you just have got to get out of a marriage to preserve your sanity. If your relationship is past saving, then it's time for you to begin searching for a cheap divorce attorney. Cheap divorce attorneys may not be the strongest attorneys in town but they get the job done. Actually, there are several cheap divorce attorneys that are very proficient at their occupation and very loyal to their clients.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

Obtaining a cheap divorce lawyer can be difficult, especially if you live in a busy city where the cost of living is high. Luckily, the internet can assist. Online publicizing is very inexpensive, so more lawyers can now promote their services in this manner. Just perform an online search for cheap divorce lawyers in your area and you will get plenty of ads in a matter of seconds. Ascertain as many of these advertisements as possible, narrow your list to at least five cheap divorce lawyers within a particular radius from your home, and give them a call. Forget about obtaining a lawyer, who quotes prices that are above your budget. You want to preserve as much capital as possible. It would be another good idea to stay close to home.

After specifying your list of prospective attorneys, you need to do some research on the lawyers' practices. You should not bank on what these attorneys articulate about themselves in their advertizing. Keep in mind, these lawyers are trying to sell their services, so they will only say advantageous things about their practice. Determine if these lawyers are really as good as they say they are. Complete independent research, and learn about their track record through the local bar association. If a certain attorney is not a member of good standing in the local bar association, there must be something wrong.

Another way to discover the reputation of particular cheap divorce lawyers is to take a peep at the cases they've handled in the past. Quality lawyers are not reluctant to tell their clients about the cases they've managed. If your potential attorney is reluctant to give information about cases he/she has handled in the past, it would benefit you to steer clear of that lawyer.

About the Author
Joseph Carter is an author who regularly writes on the subject of divorce and family law, wrote this article on behalf of www.texas-divorce-info.com, a website that can help you locate Divorce Attorneys in Texas. If you are seeking or involved in a divorce case visit the website for a free 55-page Divorce and Custody Resource ebook go to www.Texas-Divorce-Info.com.

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4. Know your attorney's full billing policy.

Recently, I read an advertisement for a "$350.00 flat fee for uncontested divorce" offered by a local law firm where I practice. The ad seemed deceptive since the filing fees for a divorce in the county where I practice were $250.00 which were clearly not included in the quoted price of $350.00 for an uncontested divorce. With the filing fee, the cost of a process server and any other necessary outside expenses, the ultimate cost of the divorce would be similar to the rates charged by other attorneys in the area. Thus, regardless of whether the attorney charges a flat fee or an hourly rate, you should always review the attorney's billing policy to see whether there are other charges such as filing fees, postage, service of process, long-distance telephone charges, copies, or other charges in addition to the quoted fee.

The other key word in the "$350.00 flat fee for uncontested divorce" ad was the word "uncontested." Often, parties will jump at the offer without asking the question of what happens if they cannot reach an agreement with their spouse on the terms of the divorce. If this happens, the "uncontested" divorce quickly becomes a "contested" one and the client often has to pay additional fees for contested divorce representation.

5. Know whether your attorney incorporates recent technological advances into his or her practice.

Does the attorney use email? Believe it or not, there are still attorneys who do not have a computer in their offices let alone use document automation software or computerized case management systems. They rely upon more traditional methods of communication and this works well for them and their clients. However, with such methods comes the need for additional personnel, increased telephone expense, and a greater time investment than would exist if these technologies were used.

Document assembly software is simply software which generates the various forms required for a divorce filing from a central database of client information. Rather than entering the same information numerous times on numerous forms, the information is entered once and the documents are automatically populated with the requisite information. Document assembly software streamlines the document assembly process and allows attorneys to spend less time drafting paperwork and more time focusing on the legal issues in the case.

About the Author
Steven Kokensparger, practices family law with the Columbus, Ohio firm of Kokensparger & Ryan, LLC. He is certified by the State of Ohio as a family law specialist and is a frequent lecturer for the Ohio State Bar Association. For more information, visit him at http://www.midohiodivorce.com