Only a few situations compare to the emotional stress involved in a divorce. In Alabama, you can get an online divorce, provided it is an uncontested divorce where you and your spouse are in agreement on all critical aspects. No matter whether yours is a contested divorce or not, you need to have an attorney on your side. Besides taking care of the paperwork, your lawyer is also responsible for guiding you through the process. Top law firms like The Harris Firm, LLC take up uncontested divorces on a flat fee, which is a big advantage. Before you hire a lawyer, here are some questions you must ask.
“How long have you been practicing family law in Alabama?”
Would you ever visit a neurosurgeon for a heart ailment? You know the answer. You don’t need any lawyer but someone who has experience practicing family law. Find a local lawyer who practices in your county, as they would know the requirements better and probably know people in court. Always choose experience over everything else.
“How many divorces have you handled?”
This is another pertinent question. Family law includes many aspects, and divorces are unique for varied reasons. Ask the attorney about their experience with divorce matters in particular. You should also enquire whether the lawyer deals more with uncontested or contested divorces. It would help if you had someone knowledgeable and reliable and with a believable profile to prove their expertise.
“Would you handle my contested divorce?”
While almost 90% of all divorces in Alabama are uncontested, there are exceptions. If your spouse decides to fight the legal battle and go for litigation for their demands, you will want a lawyer who can take things forward in court. Not all lawyers know what it takes to deal with contested divorces. Also, ask the lawyer if they have experience in divorce mediation, which could help avoid litigation.
“How much would you charge?”
The cost of a divorce lawyer depends on many factors, including whether your divorce is contested. Most lawyers may agree to a flat fee if only paperwork is involved. Contested divorces take longer and require the attorney to attend many hearings, and when there is mediation involved, the meetings can take time. While your lawyer may not be able to give a precise estimate, they will usually ask for an hourly rate and a retainer fee.
Call a lawyer before you start divorce proceedings in Alabama.