Choosing the right legal help is an important step in navigating your divorce. Asking for a consultation with a divorce attorney is a great opportunity to learn more about how the attorney works, what they can do for you, and whether they’re a good fit for your case. But with so much to discuss, how do you know where to start? Here are three important questions to ask during your free consultation to help you make an informed decision.

1. What is Your Experience with Divorce Cases Like Mine?

Every divorce is unique. Whether it’s a simple uncontested divorce, a complex high-net-worth case, or one involving children and custody issues, it’s important to find an attorney who has experience handling situations similar to yours.

Why It Matters:

• An attorney with experience in your type of case will know how to navigate the specifics, such as property division, alimony, child custody, or other important factors.
• They’ll be familiar with local court procedures, which can help ensure things move smoothly.
• If your divorce involves domestic violence or abuse, high levels of interpersonal conflict, or complicated legal issues, an experienced attorney will be able to provide their expertise or refer you to someone who could be a better fit for your case.

What to Ask:

• “Have you handled cases with similar circumstances to mine?”
• [If relevant to your situation] “What is your experience with child custody or asset division?”

2. How Do You Charge for Your Services?

Understanding how an attorney charges for their services is crucial. Some divorce attorneys charge hourly rates, while others may offer flat fees for certain services. Sometimes those costs may be split between work that the attorney does, versus work that can be taken on by a paralegal (including case organization, case management, document gathering, and research).  Knowing how billing works will help you budget for the divorce process and ensure that you’re comfortable with their payment structure. One way to keep costs down before you even step into the consultation is to come prepared with your own organized records. A tool like Divisly lets you build a property inventory in advance, so your attorney isn’t billing hours on the basic question of “what do you own?”

Why It Matters:

• Divorce can get expensive, especially if there are ongoing legal matters or multiple court appearances. Knowing the costs up front can help you plan accordingly.
• It’s important to discuss whether you’ll be billed for every phone call, email, or meeting, or if there are alternative pricing structures.
• If you have a budget in mind, understanding how they charge will help you make an informed decision.

What to Ask:

• “How do you charge for your services—hourly or flat fee?”
• “Do you require a retainer fee, and if so, how does that work?”
• “What percentage of cases like mine are settled through alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation)?

3. What is Your Approach to Communication and Availability?

You’ll likely have many questions and concerns during the divorce process, so it’s important to know how your attorney will communicate with you. Some attorneys are very responsive, while others may take longer to get back to you. Knowing what to expect in terms of communication can reduce stress during this already emotional process.

Why It Matters:

• Divorce can take time, and having clear expectations around communication can help ease anxiety. You need to know when you can expect to hear back from your attorney, especially in urgent situations.
• Having a good communication plan in place ensures you’re kept in the loop and understand the next steps.

What to Ask:

• “How do you prefer to communicate with clients—by email, phone call, text?”
• “What is your typical response time to client emails or calls?”

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions during your free consultation can help you find an attorney who is experienced, transparent, and a good fit for your needs. Remember, you have the right to feel comfortable with the attorney you choose, and it’s important to know what to expect as you move forward with your divorce. By asking about their experience, fees, and communication style, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision that will serve your best interests throughout the process.