RESPECTED TUSTIN DIVORCE LAWYERS
Minyard Morris has served the residents of Tustin for over 47 years. Our firm boasts a team of 19 lawyers who limit their practice not just to family law but to family law matters filed in Orange County. We do not accept cases filed in other counties regardless of who the potential client is, who referred the matter or the issues at stake. We maintain a total focus on our core competence—Orange County family law.
We are the largest firm in Orange County that limits its practice to family law and does not dilute its resources by maintaining offices in multiple counties. If you want to hire a firm that always has the capacity to handle your matter when a crisis occurs, hire us. Our clients are able to leverage the size of our firm and its almost 300 years of combined experience to their advantage.
Retain The Right Divorce Lawyer For You and Your Case
Divorce matters can be challenging and difficult, but having the right legal team can make more than just a significant difference in the outcome. It can make a difference in the toll the process takes on you personally. Whether you are facing an amicable divorce or a contentious one, hiring the right attorney is critical. There are countless things to consider when hiring a divorce lawyer in Tustin. We have set forth a few of the essential steps and considerations to assist you in the process.
Understand Your Objectives
Before you start the search for a Tustin divorce lawyer, consider the details of your case. Is a custody conflict involved? Are there substantial assets? Does either party have separate assets? Is your divorce likely to be contested or uncontested? Understanding the complexity of your case will help you determine the type of divorce attorney you need. Do you need a lawyer who can handle high-conflict cases or a lawyer who focuses on mediation. Lawyers are as different as are their clients. No one lawyer who is right for every client. An honest lawyer will tell you this. You are looking for a divorce lawyer that is a fit for you and your case, a lawyer that is aligned with your ideas as to how to approach the matter and whom you have confidence to make you a priority.
Research Potential Divorce Lawyers
You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have gone through a divorce for a divorce lawyer. Professional referrals from other attorneys or professionals you trust may be more valuable. However, it is helpful to understand that there are over 600 lawyers in Orange County who handle divorces and each one of them have a clientele. How did each of these lawyers build a clientele? Someone recommended them as one of the best divorce lawyers in Orange County. How can all 600 be among the best? You need to do more than just ask someone for a referral to a good divorce lawyer if you want to find and retain the best lawyer for you and your case.
Check Credentials and Experience
Once you have narrowed down your potential selection, do some background checking. Look at each lawyer’s educational background, accolades, certifications, and areas of specialization. Importantly, consider their experience with cases similar to yours. Consider the size of the law firm. Does the firm have the bandwidth and capacity to handle your case when its ‘crunch’ time? Look at the other lawyers in the firm and their credentials. Look at the firm’s profile. A larger firm may bring a lot to the table of representation.
Schedule a Consultation
Some divorce lawyers offer initial consultations free of charge. If that issue is important to you then search for a free consultation, which is easy to find on the internet. However, would you hire a dentist or doctor that gave away their appointments for free? What does it say about a professional if they have to give away time and advice to attract clients?
A consultation will help you analyze the lawyer’s personality, approach, strategy, professionalism and knowledge. While you are not looking for a new best friend, it’s essential that you feel comfortable with your lawyer, as you will be sharing personal and sensitive information with them.
Strategy and Costs
During the consultation, ask about the attorney’s strategy in a case like yours. Also, discuss their fees and billing practices. Understanding the cost structure is vital to avoid any surprises. Almost all divorce lawyers bill by the hour. Make sure you understand what services are included in their fees. If a lawyer gives you a firm estimate as to what the matter is going to cost, be wary. It is impossible to know what actions the other spouse or other lawyer will take. When you are hiring a lawyer, you are paying by the hour and outrageous conduct on the part of one party will drive up costs. If you are ‘lawyer shopping’ consider asking for a 30 minute consultation. Many clients can determine rather quickly if a lawyer is a match for them.
Retention
After meeting with a potential lawyer and considering their qualifications, experience, and your comfort level with them, make your decision based on whether you believe the lawyer will best represent your interests. Trust your instincts about whom you are most confident with take care of you and your case..
If you are feeling pressured to retain the lawyer in the first meeting—walk away. In fact, we prefer clients not retain us during our initial consultation. We suggest that the retention can be completed the next day or week, unless there is a true urgent matter that must be addressed.
By taking the time to thoroughly vet your potential lawyer and understand your own needs, you increase the chances of finding a legal advocate who will effectively represent your interests through this tough time. Remember, the goal is not just to hire ‘a’ lawyer, but to secure a partnership that will help you transition into the next phase of your life.
Do all you can to find the right lawyer the first time and avoid having to change lawyers mid-way through a case.
Prestigious Divorce Law Firm Serving Tustin and Orange County
At Minyard Morris, we are ready to help you with your divorce or family law needs. Please call us at 949-724-1111 or use our online contact form. Let us assist you during this critical time in your life.