4 Red Flags to Look Out For When Hiring a Divorce Attorney

If you’re going through a divorce, hiring the right attorney is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome. Unfortunately, not all lawyers are equal, and there are several red flags to watch out for when choosing one.

In this post, we will discuss four red flags to look out for when hiring a divorce lawyer. These red flags include lawyers who practice in too many areas of law, charge significantly less than other attorneys in your area, make unrealistic promises, and prioritize “aggressive representation.” Whether you’re just starting your search or thinking of switching lawyers, these red flags will help you avoid making a costly mistake.

1. They Practice in More Areas Than Family Law

When it comes to hiring a divorce lawyer, it is important to choose someone who focuses on family law. Some lawyers practice in several areas, including family law. While this may seem like a good thing at first, it could actually be a red flag.

Family law is highly specialized. It requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. When a lawyer claims to practice in many different areas it can be a sign that they are spreading themselves too thin.

A lawyer that practices in multiple areas may not have the necessary expertise and experience to provide the best representation for your case. Family law cases are complex, emotional, and often involve high-stakes issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. A lawyer who is not fully dedicated to family law may not be equipped to handle these types of cases effectively.

Moreover, if a lawyer is practicing in too many areas, it may be a sign that they are more interested in generating revenue any way they can get it than providing quality legal services. An attorney that focuses solely on family law is more likely to be dedicated to the practice and committed to providing excellent representation.

2. They Charge a Lot Less Than Other Divorce Attorneys in Your Area

It’s natural to want to save money when going through a divorce, but hiring a divorce attorney who charges significantly less than other attorneys in your area can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are a few reasons why:

• Inexperience can lead to mistakes: A divorce case can be complex and emotionally charged, and inexperienced attorneys may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise to handle the intricacies of your case. They may make mistakes or fail to take advantage of opportunities that could have resulted in a more favorable outcome for you.
• Poor negotiation skills can result in a bad settlement: Experienced divorce attorneys have honed their negotiation skills over many years of practice, and they know how to get their clients the best possible outcome. A cheap attorney with less experience may not be as skilled at negotiating, resulting in a settlement that does not adequately protect your interests.
• Inadequate preparation can lead to losses: An inexperienced attorney may not have the necessary resources or knowledge to adequately prepare to represent you effectively, leading to an unfavorable outcome.
• Additional legal fees can add up: If your cheap attorney makes mistakes or fails to represent you effectively, you may end up needing to hire a new attorney to fix the problems. This can result in additional legal fees that could have been avoided if you had hired a more experienced attorney in the first place.

3. They Promise You The Moon & Stars

When going through a divorce, it’s natural to have a list of goals or desires you want to achieve. However, it’s important to be cautious of divorce attorneys who promise to easily accomplish everything you want. Unfortunately, some attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to take your money. In reality, it’s impossible to have a wish list that one party wants in the divorce and get it all.

Atlanta divorce attorney Jeanette Soltys recently spoke about the red flags to watch out for when hiring a divorce lawyer. One of the red flags she mentioned was attorneys who make unrealistic promises to their clients. “There are a lot of divorce attorneys that will tell you what you want to hear just to take your money. Everything you want to accomplish in your divorce, they tell you they can easily get that for you.”

However, she went on to explain that in her 16 years of practice, she has seen that it’s impossible to achieve everything on a client’s wish list. “Every divorce case is unique, and there are many factors that can impact the outcome,” she said. “It’s important to work with an attorney who will provide you with an honest assessment of your case and who will help you set realistic goals.” Ultimately, Soltys emphasized that the best divorce attorneys are those who will work with their clients to achieve the best possible outcome, rather than making false promises to take their money.

4. They Talk About “Aggressive Representation”

Soltys also warned about another red flag, which is attorneys who use phrases like “aggressive representation” and “fighting for your rights” in their marketing materials and on their website.

“Excellent divorce attorneys know that the best results are achieved when both parties are able to come to an agreement, and they spend a lot less money and have a lot less stress. So, a good attorney will encourage you to first try to settle, and then go to court if a settlement is not possible,” says Jeanette.

When a divorce attorney emphasizes “aggressive representation,” it may suggest that they prioritize winning over achieving a favorable outcome for their client. According to Soltys, “An attorney who is solely focused on winning may be more likely to engage in aggressive tactics that could escalate the conflict and make it more difficult to reach a settlement.”

Instead, she suggests that a good attorney will be honest with their client about the benefits of settling versus going to court. They will encourage their client to take a collaborative approach and work towards a settlement that is fair to both parties. If a settlement is not possible, the attorney will be prepared to represent their client in court. Aggressively if needed.

While it’s important for a divorce attorney to be a strong advocate for their client, an adversarial approach can be a red flag. A good attorney will prioritize achieving a favorable outcome for their client through a cooperative approach, be truthful about the benefits of different approaches, and help clients make the best possible decisions for their unique situation.

Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer

Hiring a divorce lawyer is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. To avoid making a costly mistake, it’s important to watch out for red flags that may indicate an attorney is not the best fit for you.

Remember to look out for lawyers who practice in too many areas, charge significantly less than other attorneys in your area, make unrealistic promises, and prioritize “aggressive representation.” By keeping these red flags in mind, you can choose an experienced and trustworthy attorney who is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

If you’re looking for a family law attorney in Atlanta, consider scheduling a free consultation with Atlanta Holistic Family Law to learn how they can help you navigate the complexities of divorce and achieve a favorable outcome.