This is a short guide on how to find a Divorce Lawyer--with a focus in Michigan--but the general concepts can be applied no matter what state you live in.
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Introduction
If you are contemplating a divorce, or your spouse has filed for divorce, the first thing that you should do is consult a lawyer. Most lawyers will offer a consultation--some for free and some for a charge. In that consultation, you can find out some information about Michigan law and divorce, but also find out if that lawyer may be a good fit for you and your case. What questions to ask the attorney in that first consultation will be the subject of the next blog. However, first things first.
Where do I find a divorce attorney?
In the electronic age that we live in, sometimes finding lawyers becomes easier--but sometimes it becomes harder. There is an abundance of information on the internet--some that is good, and some that is misleading. To simply--here are 3 possible sources for finding a divorce attorney.
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Recommendations or Word of Mouth--Friends & Family
Friends & Family
If you are comfortable talking to friends and family--this should be the first resource for a possible attorney. Talk to friends that have recently gone through a divorce. They may recommend their own attorney, an attorney they saw in Court, or their spouse's attorney. (yes, this does happen!) Talk to family too--they may often have a referral for you, or know of someone who knows an attorney, etc.
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Recommendations or Word of Mouth--Co-Workers
Co-Workers
Again, if you are comfortable talking to someone at work--they may know if a divorce attorney and may provide you a potential referral. Most people know of someone who has gone through a divorce--and if the attorney really helped them--that attorney's name will be remembered.
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Recommendations or Word of Mouth--Professionals
Professionals
If you are seeing a counselor or a therapist--ask them for a referral. Often lawyers and therapists and counselors have professional relationships, and you may find that your therapist or counselor has some potential referrals for you. You should ask people at your church, including those in leadership positions. Sometimes churches have information on lawyers who attend their church, or have information about lawyers in the area. This is a good source as well.
If you are uncomfortable asking about attorneys for yourself, you can always make it non-personal by asking in general--maybe for a friend or family member. However, this is such an important source of names for attorneys. Knowing someone who has worked with the attorney is such valuable information, and whether or not that attorney will be a good fit for you--at least you have information about how they have helped someone you know.
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Professional Lawyer Referral Networks
Professional Lawyer Referral Networks
The State of Michigan and the individual counties in Michigan each have professional lawyer referral networks. Attorneys can submit their information to these referral networks, including a description of their areas of focus, their location, and their experience (among other things), and the attorneys are then put on a list as a potential lawyer in that area of law. The general public can then call a phone number and tell the referral network what type of lawyer they are seeking, and the referral network will give them a name of an attorney.
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