7 Tips for Hiring a Salt Lake, Utah Divorce Attorney

Divorce is a fact of life for many people. Both marriages and divorces are handled on a state-by-state basis, so it's important that you study the law and get the help that you need.

Utah divorce rates have hovered in the 9% range for the past few years. If you find yourself preparing for a divorce, it's important that you have the help of a credible lawyer that can assist you through the process. But first, you need to understand how to hire someone you trust to handle your case from beginning to end.

Here are seven tips that you need to recognize and follow when you're thinking about hiring a Utah divorce attorney.

1. Assess Your Divorce Situation

First things first, recognize that each divorce situation is different. Take inventory of your life and your marriage so that you can get an understanding of the type of divorce you will face. Start by considering whether you expect a volatile situation or a cooperative divorce.

You should also consider your grounds for divorce. Utah is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you can claim irreconcilable differences. However, there are other grounds that you might claim, such as adultery, substance abuse, cruelty, and other circumstances.

Start contemplating what life after divorce potentially looks like so that you can factor this into your situation. Brainstorm where you might live, whether you have custody arrangements to consider, and how the divorce will affect your financial picture.

Having the help of a family law professional will give you further clarity on your case so that you feel comfortable moving forward and getting the results that serve you.

2. Research the Law Firm

Next, you need a law firm with a proven track record of professionalism and the mettle to handle your case. Research your prospective firms through the Utah State Bar Association. If you have friends or relatives who have gotten divorced, ask for referrals or recommendations.

Study how long the firm has been in business, where the attorneys received their law degrees, and whether the firm handles divorces in multiple states or not. The more due diligence you handle up front, the easier it'll be to find a lawyer that you can trust.

3. Sit Down and Have a Consultation

Once you have a short list of credible attorneys, it's time to sit down for a consultation. The consultation allows the lawyer to provide answers to all of your questions and information on how you should potentially move forward.

During the consultation, your lawyer will also let you know the type of working arrangement that they abide by, your point person of contact, and can give you general advice and a timeline moving forward. Divorce lawyers offer consultations, so take full advantage of this before making a hire.

4. Ask About Their Rates

The financial implications of divorce are always a big piece of the puzzle. On average, you should expect to pay roughly $13,000 on average for a divorce. Legal fees make up a big chunk of this cost.

Ask your lawyer how much they charge for their services and whether this is an hourly rate or a flat fee. Get it in writing and compare it between multiple law firms so that you have full transparency with the agreement.

5. Go Through Counseling

It's important that you get closure and clarity before moving forward with a divorce. There are two things you never want to do when considering a divorce -- jumping the gun and divorcing too soon, and waiting too long staying in a dying relationship. Going to counseling can let you know for sure how you should proceed.

The counselor will act as an independent party that lets both spouses air out their grievances. You might find that reconciliation is possible. You might also find the closure that you need to move forward peacefully and cooperatively. Either way, counseling is a vital part of the process that you should handle before hiring a divorce attorney in Salt Lake City.

6. Take Inventory of Debts and Assets

Consider the total financial picture of your divorce before moving forward. This means combing through your books and understanding both your debts and assets. Find out how many of these debts and assets are shared and which you own individually.

Things like student loans that you may have brought into the marriage are generally hashed out individually. Your lawyer can advise you on how to proceed and whether you should close accounts or keep them open. An attorney can also help you figure out what to do with your marital home and other properties.

7. Get Clarity on Utah Divorce Law

Finally, make sure that you have the clarity that you need regarding divorce laws in your state. It's also vital that you get some clarity on Utah family law as a whole, including how you should handle child custody, separation, child support, and other matters.

Ask as many questions as you need to, both to inform your process moving forward and to find out if your lawyer is skilled and knowledgeable.

Work With a Utah Divorce Attorney

Getting the help of a Utah divorce attorney can help you dissolve your marriage and move forward with your life. These are the advocates that you need to represent you and your rights so that you land on your feet during this trying time.

Fair Price Lawyers can assist you when you need help with your legal situation. If you're ready to tackle your case with precision, contact our law firm on our site or call (801)999-0104 to book your consultation.