When facing divorce, you’re confronted with numerous crucial decisions. Should you settle or go to trial? Should you hire a financial or custody expert? Should you change judges? Is joint decision-making a better choice, or should you fight for sole decision-making authority? While these are undeniably important, they pale in comparison to the most significant decision you’ll make during the divorce process: choosing the right lawyer.

Selecting the right attorney can impact every aspect of your life during and after the divorce—your financial future, your family relationships, and your overall peace of mind. So, how can you be sure you’re hiring the right lawyer for your situation?

The Evolution of Finding the Right Lawyer
When I began practicing law in 1992, most people hired lawyers based on word-of-mouth. You either knew a lawyer or knew someone who did. That was the starting point. Real estate lawyers referred clients to divorce lawyers, and past clients shared recommendations based on their experiences.

While these methods are still effective—especially getting referrals from other attorneys—many people today turn to Google as their first resource. A quick search for “the best divorce lawyer in Chicago” may give you a list of names, but that doesn’t guarantee you’re finding the right attorney. Search engine rankings are influenced by factors like SEO and paid ads, which don’t necessarily reflect the quality or expertise of the lawyer.

This is why it’s crucial to go beyond the search engine results and dive deeper into your research.

What to Look for in a Divorce Lawyer
There are a few key qualities you should prioritize when choosing a divorce lawyer, and if they aren’t present, consider it a red flag:

  1. Experience: Does the lawyer have extensive experience negotiating and litigating complex financial, custody, and relocation matters? Experience in trial work is just as important as negotiation skills. A strong divorce attorney should be well-versed in both areas.
  2. Resources: Does the lawyer have the backing of a well-established firm with the resources to manage a wide range of cases? From basic issues to the most complicated matters, having a team of experienced professionals ensures that your case will be handled efficiently and effectively.
  3. Reputation and Recognition: Is the lawyer recognized by their peers and the broader legal community? Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL) speaks volumes about an attorney’s skill and professionalism. AAML members must pass rigorous national and local exams, while ACFTL is a peer-selected group of the top 100 divorce trial lawyers in the U.S. Additionally, board certification and awards like “Best Lawyers” are important indicators of a lawyer’s expertise.

Final Thoughts
If the divorce lawyer you are researching lacks trial experience, isn’t affiliated with respected organizations, or doesn’t have the necessary resources to handle your case, keep looking. Your future depends on it.

James M. Quigley, Equity Partner

For more on Mr. Quigley, please visit:
www.beermannlaw.com/team/james-m-quigley.