When it comes to choosing a divorce attorney, you can’t focus on wins and losses. First of all, it’s only part of the equation. Second, most divorce cases end in settlement, so it’s hard to know what counts as a win and what counts as a loss.
Here are some more reliable considerations:
1. Hire local. When looking for a divorce attorney, make sure they have experience with the courthouse where your case was or will be filed. An attorney who knows the judges and other attorneys can have an advantage. It doesn’t guarantee success, but it can definitely help if your lawyer knows the judge’s quirks and has a good reputation among the other regular attorneys.
(Note that many Cook County divorce cases are filed downtown at the Daley Center. There are a handful of smaller suburban Cook County divorce courts. Cases filed at one of these may be transferred downtown if the other party makes a transfer request. So if you are in a suburban location, ask whether they will go downtown if your case ends up there.)
2. Go with experience. An attorney who has seen hundreds of cases is more likely to know what to do in your situation. If your case is unique – maybe you own a family business – ask if they’ve handled a similar case in the past. Make sure they focus their practice on divorce and related issues (custody, support, etc.). They’re likely to have more solid experience than an attorney who takes any and every type of case.
3. Get referrals and check them out. Set up a few initial consultations. This is the best way to find out about an attorney and get a feel for whether you want to hire them. Referrals are a good way to get started, but don’t rely on them blindly. Your best friend’s divorce attorney may have been great for them but may be the wrong choice for you.
4. Go with your gut. If you don’t get a good feeling from that first meeting, keep looking. Just because they are known as a great attorney doesn’t mean they’re the best attorney for you. Divorce is often contentious and emotional. If the parties disagree, the case can go on for years. The point is that you’ll be spending a good amount of time with your divorce attorney and trusting them with a lot, so your comfort level is important.
5. Ask a lot of questions. When meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time, think of it as an interview. You are deciding whether they’re right for the job. Ask about their experience, of course, but don’t forget to ask about their strategy, their fees and even their customer service. How will they handle your case? How will they keep you informed? How quickly do they respond to calls or e-mails? How do they bill you for the work they do?
There is no such thing as the best divorce attorney in Chicago. It’s too personal. Instead, focus on finding the best attorney for your situation.