Facing the Big D? A Divorce Attorney Offers Advice

2) Any advice for women about finding a divorce attorney?

Start by asking friends and family for a recommendation. It is always best to have an attorney who is recommended. Another option is to go through your local bar association.

What I do counsel against is getting a family attorney to handle it. Divorce is very specialized and you need an attorney who knows this area well. Especially if you have children, this is something that will have implications in your life for years to come.

Before you go meet with an attorney, ask about his or her fees, including whether the initial consultation is free.

3) What is the biggest mistake people make?

Divorce is emotional, and the worst thing people can do is use their kids as pawns. It happens all the time. You really need to sit back and look at the implications for that child.

Another common mistake is talking to your spouse independently. Your attorney is your representative. Independent conversations lead to yelling and screaming. They complicate the divorce and make the divorce drag out longer.