Divorce poses unique challenges for high-net-worth individuals, making the selection of a divorce attorney a particularly crucial decision. When choosing an attorney, prioritize finding someone with whom you can communicate effectively and feel comfortable discussing personal matters. This foundation of trust and open dialogue is essential for achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Before selecting an attorney, conduct thorough research on potential matrimonial lawyers based on referrals, reputation, location, and other factors that matter to you. Once you’ve identified one or more candidates to interview, gather your recent tax returns and compile a list of your assets and liabilities. This information will enable the attorney to provide a preliminary assessment of your case and give you a clearer understanding of the divorce process during your initial consultation.
Below are general questions to help you in your selection of an attorney. They fall into three major categories: experience, practice style, and cost.
Divorce Attorney Experience Questions:
- What is the background of the attorney?
- Does the attorney specialize in family law?
- Does the attorney concentrate on any specific areas within family law (e.g., alimony, child support, custody, high net worth/complex financial cases, business valuation, hidden assets)?
- What is the breakdown of the attorney’s practice between litigation and alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation?
- What are the attorney’s strengths that distinguish them from other attorneys?
- Is the attorney’s practice concentrated in a geographical area of the state to provide familiarity with the judges in the county in which your case will proceed?
- How does the attorney think their experience will benefit your case?
Divorce Attorney Practice Style Questions:
- Will the attorney be the only lawyer in the law firm working on the case? If not, what would be that attorney’s involvement or role in the case?
- If other attorneys in the law firm are going to work on the case, what experience do they have and what will their role be?
- What is the typical response time to telephone calls and emails from clients?
- How does the attorney work with a client to develop a strategy for the case?
- How does the attorney keep clients informed about the status of their case?
- Will the case require the use of experts, such as a forensic accountant or a custody expert?
- What is the attorney’s opinion on settlement versus litigation?
- Is it possible to give an estimated timeline for the case?
Divorce Cost Questions:
- What is the attorney’s retainer fee and how is the allocation of counsel and any expert fees likely to be handled in your case?
- What is the attorney’s hourly billing rate and what is the minimum billing increment?
- How does the law firm handle billing when more than one attorney is working on a case?
- How does the law firm handle the billing of other staff or services?
- How does the law firm handle billing after the retainer is depleted?
In addition to the more general questions above, you should prepare a list of questions tailored to your specific situation. Every divorce is unique, influenced by the attorneys involved and the positions taken by both parties. By having a well-thought-out set of general and specific questions, you’ll be better equipped to identify and retain the most suitable attorney for your case. This preparation will help ensure that you choose a lawyer who understands your particular needs and can effectively represent your interests.
Searching for the Best High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys in New Jersey?
Are you contemplating divorce? High-net-worth divorce proceedings can be considerably complex. You’ll want a skilled and experienced divorce attorney who understands assets, alimony, and child support in high-income and high-net-worth situations. Contact Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. to help you navigate the challenging process of divorce.
