Choosing A New Jersey Divorce Attorney

A divorce is not just an emotional separation for New Jersey couples, but also a financial separation from a former spouse. Many New Jersey couples make financial mistakes during the divorce process that impact them for the rest of their lives. It is best not to treat a divorce as solely an emotional decision but rather as a business negotiation in which your financial priorities are at the fore of the negotiation process.

Forbes reports that the most important way to make sure that your financial goals are not discounted in divorce negotiations is to build a winning divorce team. An experienced divorce and family law attorney is an essential part of a divorce team and will make sure that your divorce does not drain you emotions and your pocketbook.

An experienced family law attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law attorney will aggressively pursue your best interests in a divorce case. Your attorney should also guide you through any child support and division of asset issues that may arise during the divorce process.

There are several questions you should ask a potential attorney before hiring him or her according to Forbes:

• How many cases have you recently handled? How many were settled and how went to trial?
• What were the outcomes of these cases and how did they match the clients’ goals?
• Do you typically represent the husband or wife? Can you effectively represent me?
• Will you handle all aspects of my case? If not, what are the qualifications of your junior associates?
• What are your fees? What are the fees of your paralegals and junior associates?

It is also important to feel personally comfortable with your attorney. Divorce is a highly emotionally process and you should feel confident in your attorney’s ability and comfortable with his or her demeanor.

Source: Forbes: Divorce Dollars and Sense, “The Secret to Surviving Divorce with Your Finances Intact,” Jeff Landers, 5/17/11