Divorce can be complicated and emotionally draining. Matters like division of property and child custody can further contribute to the complexities. However, marriage is a legal contract and cannot end without the intervention of the law.
The legal assistance of an experienced divorce lawyer is important to successfully sever the marital bond. A competent Minnesota divorce lawyer can help you understand the divorce laws applicable in Buffalo and protect your rights in court.
You should choose a divorce lawyer who is qualified, experienced, and focused. This will ensure that the entire divorce process progresses smoothly for you.
Here, we have listed a few aspects to consider when choosing a divorce lawyer in Buffalo.
1. Check for Relevant Experience
Divorce laws differ by state, based on the local statutes that apply. This is why the lawyer you choose should have considerable experience in handling divorce cases in Minnesota. You should ensure that they are well-versed in these distinct laws, and will be able to represent your case in the best possible manner.
For example, according to Minnesota divorce laws, at least one of the parties should have resided in the state for a minimum of 180 days (with some exceptions). There is no waiting period after the case is resolved. Non-residents may get divorced in Minnesota if the civil marriage was performed in the state and the current state of residence does not recognize the marriage. Knowledge of state-specific laws will enable your lawyer to navigate you prudently through your case.
Furthermore, seeking assistance from a reputed divorce lawyer in Buffalo will help as they will be familiar with the approach of the local family judges. This exposure will equip them to strategically prepare for the trial, and present the required litigation for alimony requests, property division, and child custody if required.
2. Verify the Lawyer’s Discipline
States have a dedicated disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys based on their performance, licenses, and complaints posted by clients. This verification is important because you don’t want to end up hiring a lawyer who has violated legal ethics. They may no longer be eligible to practice law.
Consider researching the lawyer’s disciplinary history and checking for details like:
- The current status of the lawyer’s license to practice in your state
- Check for the seriousness of complaints and issues involving the lawyer. This may include delays in payment of the bar fees, misuse of client funds, or other ethical violations.
3. Ensure Unrestricted Availability
Parties intending to file for divorce should consider evaluating the availability of their divorce lawyer. Your first meeting with each Minnesota divorce lawyer should help you assess their caseload and the level of attention they provide to every case.
A distracted attorney will not be diligent and may not be able to provide the required amount of attention to the case details, thereby negatively impacting the proceedings.
Furthermore, parties should check if the lawyer is easily approachable and reachable. This will help in communicating sensitive case information with the lawyer in a timely and hassle-free manner.
4. Assess the Quality of Support Provided
You should note that collaborating with a divorce lawyer involves working with his/her support staff too.
For example, consider a divorce case in Buffalo that involves the division of marital property. According to Minnesota marital property laws, the state adheres to the concept of equitable distribution. Determining this involves assessing the financial status of each party and their sources of income. It also includes factors like the number of children and the duration of the marriage. Further, inputs from financial experts are taken into account to accurately value the assets involved.
You should check if your lawyer and their team have access to relevant professionals and know how to coordinate with them periodically.
5. Gauge Transparency in Process and Approach
Your Minnesota divorce lawyer should be able to weigh the pros and cons of your case. Check if the lawyer is merely saying what you want to hear or honestly throwing light on the facts of the case.
Meet several lawyers before finalizing one. This will help you conduct a comparative analysis of the various approaches used by different lawyers and choose the best among them. It will also help you see through the unrealistic promises made by fraudulent lawyers, further contributing towards making the right choice.
6. Evaluate Success in Litigation
You may choose to either settle with your spouse outside the court or go for a trial. Regardless of your decision, check for the courtroom trial experience and success rate when choosing your lawyer. You should find out the amount of time your lawyer spends on litigation matters and their approach towards it. This will help determine if their working strategy will suit your requirements.
A few other considerations that you should take into account include:
- The lawyer’s fee structure
- Details of miscellaneous costs or court filing fees
Conclusion
Divorce can involve important decisions and verdicts that may impact both parties for the rest of their lives. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you understand the legal process and provide the best representation in court. Hopefully, the abovementioned points will throw light on the various aspects to be considered when choosing a competent divorce lawyer and how they can untangle complexities in a divorce case.
Contact Our Skilled Divorce Lawyer in Minnesota today!
Reach out to our experienced divorce lawyer in Minnesota for a detailed discussion of your case. The team of legal experts at Carlson & Jones, P. A. will assist you with the various nuances of divorce law in Minnesota and help you get positive outcomes. Call us right away at 855-762-6548 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us via our website.