What Should You Look for in a Divorce Lawyer?

Hiring a good Divorce Lawyer in Phoenix is an important decision for every family. A Phoenix divorce lawyer can help with many issues, including child custody, property division, and spousal support. The Arizona Supreme Court has set guidelines for these matters that your Phoenix divorce attorney can explain to you. If you and your spouse are unable to agree, the judge will determine these issues at trial.

A Phoenix divorce lawyer can also help with other family law issues, such as determining the value of assets and debts. Assets include real estate, personal property, and business interests. Debts include credit card debt, mortgages, auto loans and other financial obligations. A good Phoenix divorce lawyer will work hard to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your assets and debts.

When children are involved, your Phoenix divorce lawyer can assist you with child custody and visitation, child support, and a parenting plan. The mother does not automatically get sole custody of the children; instead, judges consider many factors to determine what is in the best interest of the child. A skilled Phoenix divorce lawyer can help you with a parenting plan that will be enforceable by the court.

A good Phoenix divorce lawyer can also help you with the division of marital property, which includes all assets earned or acquired during your marriage, with some exceptions. It can be difficult to know what assets you have, especially if one spouse is hiding or mismanaging money. A good Phoenix divorce lawyer will use forensic accountants and other professionals to uncover hidden assets and make sure you are entitled to your share of the property settlement.

While Arizona is a no-fault state, your Phoenix divorce lawyer can help you fight for a fair and equitable divorce settlement. This may include requesting alimony if appropriate, establishing the proper amount of child support, and setting up health insurance coverage that will persist after your divorce.

While searching for an experienced divorce attorney, pay attention to how the office staff and your lawyer conduct themselves. If they rush you, fail to answer your questions or treat you with disrespect, it’s probably time to find a different lawyer. It’s also a good idea to ask your potential divorce attorney if they will be handling your case or if they will be assisted by their associate. It can be a shock to meet with an attorney, feel comfortable with them and then discover they will not be working on your case.