|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Recommendation: How to Use References to Find an Attorney |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Many people find a divorce lawyer through recommendation of a professional. Clergy, therapists, and marriage counselors may all have divorce attorneys to suggest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probably the most common way to get the name of a matrimonial attorney is through another attorney. You may already have a business lawyer, or maybe the lawyer who drew up your will is a friend and can recommend someone. Or you've gone to see one matrimonial lawyer, and you want the names of a few others. He or she will not be reluctant to give you some, especially if you explain that you cannot afford the quoted fees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another source of referrals is friends who have been divorced. Sometimes they will recommend their spouse's lawyer over their own, particularly if they thought they got the short end of the stick. This, too, is a good way to get started. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your local Bar Association may also have the names of attorneys who do matrimonial work, but that's just one step away from using the Yellow Pages. Remember, lawyers can generally make it onto the Bar Association list simply by joining the Association, not by showing any particular level of expertise. Still, many of those lawyers will provide a consultation at a low fee or for free, and you many find one who meets your criteria. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some state bar associations have formal specialty certifications. Look for a certified family law or matrimonial specialist who is certified by the State Bar, if your state has such certifications. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As far as we're concerned, a better organization to tap is the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys, headquartered in Chicago. Each state has a chapter. Admission to the Academy is highly selective. (See The Complete Divorce Resource Guide in Part 6 for contact information.) Members must be in practice for a certain number of years; they must have worked largely if not solely in the field of matrimonial law; and they must pass a test. A member of this group will certainly be well qualified, but may also be very expensive. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One more caveat. In some chapters of the Academy, politics play a role in who gets in and who stays out. The fact that an attorney is not a member does not necessarily mean that he or she is less qualified than a member. It could mean, however, that that lawyer and the president of the local chapter just don't get along. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last but not least, the Yellow Pages can help. After all, you're only looking for an attorney with whom to have an initial consultation at this point. You're not actually hiring anyone blindly through any of these sources. |
|
|
|
|
|