10 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney
By: Danielle Ostrovsky
February 4, 2025
1:33 am
Time to read: 6 Minutes
1. Do You Specialize in Family Law and Divorce Cases?
Not all attorneys are created equal. Some handle a variety of legal areas, while others specialize exclusively in family law. It’s important to hire someone with in-depth knowledge of divorce laws, including asset division, child custody, and alimony.
- Why it matters: Family law specialists stay up to date on changes in divorce legislation and best practices.
2. How Many Divorce Cases Have You Handled?
Experience is key when navigating complex divorce cases. Asking about the number and types of cases they’ve handled can give you confidence in their ability to manage your situation.
- What to look for: Attorneys who have dealt with cases similar to yours, such as high-net-worth divorces, custody disputes, or business ownership issues.
3. What Is Your Approach to Divorce Cases?
Every attorney has a different style. Some take a collaborative approach, while others are more aggressive litigators.
- Ask yourself: Does their approach align with your goals? If you want an amicable resolution, a highly aggressive attorney may not be the best fit.
4. How Do You Communicate with Clients?
Open communication is critical during a divorce. Ask how often you can expect updates and the best way to reach them.
Key questions:
- Will I have direct access to you, or will I mostly work with your staff?
- How quickly do you respond to calls or emails?
5. What Are Your Fees, and What Can I Expect to Pay?
Understanding the cost structure upfront can prevent surprises down the line. Ask about retainer fees, hourly rates, and other expenses like court filing fees or expert witness costs.
- Red flags: Attorneys who are vague about their pricing or promise “cheap” representation.
6. Do You Have Experience with Cases Similar to Mine?
Divorce cases can vary widely, so it’s important to find an attorney familiar with your specific circumstances.
Examples:
7. Can You Explain the Divorce Process in Florida?
A good attorney should be able to break down the steps of the divorce process in a way that’s easy to understand.
- What to look for: Attorneys who provide a clear roadmap for filing, mediation, court appearances, and final settlements.
8. Who Will Handle My Case?
Some law firms delegate cases to junior attorneys or paralegals. Make sure you know who will be working on your case and how much involvement the lead attorney will have.
- Follow-up question: If my case is delegated, how can I reach you if I have concerns?
9. What Is Your Track Record of Success?
Ask about outcomes in similar cases and any accolades or reviews from past clients.
- Note: While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, a strong track record demonstrates expertise and reliability.
10. What Do You Need From Me to Make This Process Smoother?
A successful attorney-client relationship is a two-way street. Ask how you can help keep the process efficient, such as organizing financial documents or responding to requests promptly.
Red Flags to Watch For During Consultations
While asking these questions, stay alert for signs that an attorney may not be the right fit:
- Evasive Answers: Attorneys who avoid answering questions or lack transparency about fees.
- Overpromising Results: Be cautious of anyone who guarantees specific outcomes.
- Poor Communication: If they seem dismissive or unresponsive during your consultation, it’s unlikely to improve later.
How to Evaluate Attorneys Based on Their Answers
After meeting with a few attorneys, compare their responses:
- Experience: Did they demonstrate expertise in family law?
- Approach: Does their style align with your goals?
- Communication: Were they clear and approachable during the consultation?
- Cost Transparency: Did they explain fees in detail?
Taking the time to evaluate their answers will help you feel confident in your choice.
Final Thoughts: Are you ready to hire a divorce attorney?
Choosing a divorce attorney is a critical decision that can impact your family and future. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into their experience, approach, and ability to represent your best interests.
Looking for an experienced and compassionate divorce attorney? Contact Ostrovsky Law today to schedule a consultation and start moving toward a fresh start.
Danielle Ostrovsky
Danielle Ostrovsky is the founding partner of Ostrovsky Law, a boutique law firm that practices exclusively in the area of marital and family law throughout Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.
With a sole focus on marital and family law, Danielle has refined her skills and gained extensive experience in divorce, spousal support, parental responsibility, timesharing, paternity, equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, high net worth asset division, child support, modifications and contempt of support, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.
