Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm Blog

6 Qualities to Look For in Local Divorce Attorneys

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 16:14:16 GMT

When you marry your spouse, you are likely prepared to be together forever. However, some relationships can fall apart, and you may be in a situation that many other Americans are in as you go through a divorce. To have a more successful outcome, you should have a professional divorce attorney represent you. Here are six qualities to look for in local divorce attorneys.

1. Expertise

Divorce is a major life event. So, when you choose a professional to help you with your case, you want someone who has a solid level of expertise. A divorce lawyer should be aware of all the current laws regarding family law. After all, divorce laws can change throughout whatever state you're in. They should be in tune with every aspect involved with these types of cases so that you have the likelihood of achieving a fair outcome.

2. Experience

Think about the type of divorce you're going through and what level of experience your potential legal professional has. After all, not all divorces are created equal, and you want someone who can handle your situation. In your case, are there several assets worth millions of dollars to handle? Did you and your spouse go into business together? Do you have the custody of minor children to consider? According to the United States Census Bureau, as of May 2020, there were 12.9 million parents with custody of their children. This statistic encompasses 21.9 million children under the age of 21. Whether your divorce deals with a division of several assets or child custody, you should get a lawyer who has experience handling these types of situations.

3. Reputation

Make sure you investigate your potential lawyer's reputation with former clients. After all, lawyers provide a service that can be either a positive or negative experience for those involved. A good lawyer knows the law inside and out and understands their client's needs. So, don't be afraid to ask for a referral so that you can talk to previous clients directly. If the lawyer knows that they can stand by their experience and success rate, they shouldn't hesitate to allow you to talk with people they previously represented. You can also look the law firm up online to see what reviewers have to say on their website.

4. Success

Even the best local divorce attorneys will likely lose a case or not have the most ideal outcome at times. However, you don't want an attorney who has a habit of not producing a positive outcome for their clients. Divorce can be hard for you, and you want to do what you can to ensure your post-divorce life is as comfortable as possible by getting what's due to you. So, you want to enlist the services of local divorce attorneys who have a fairly positive success rate in helping their clients.

5. Transparency

You want a lawyer who will be as transparent as possible about your situation. They should be honest in presenting what they expect from the case and what they've dealt with in the past. After all, you don't want any surprises in your divorce process. Such transparency isn't just regarding how the lawyer goes about business and your particular divorce situation. They should be equally honest and transparent when it comes to their pricing. In other words, if there are any extra charges due to the case going on longer than expected, you should know that beforehand.

6. Communication

It would be difficult if you only saw your lawyer at the trial or in a mediation office. A good lawyer will properly communicate with their client throughout the process. So, look for local divorce attorneys who have a good reputation for communicating well with clients. You want to be able to know what's going on in your case at all times, and if any changes happen, you should be notified immediately. Ask your lawyer about the frequency and type of methods they prefer for communication. They should be clear on communication methods so that you don't end up being disappointed by a lack of connection.

Finding the right local divorce attorneys can make things easier for you. Divorce is already hard, but you don't want to make things harder by not having the right legal team on your side. For a divorce attorney who is there for you and has the right expertise, contact Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm today for a consultation.

3 Scenarios Where You May Need a Family Law Attorney

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:47:05 GMT

Two of the most common reasons why people hire a family law attorney is because they are getting divorced or for child custody issues such as custody agreements and child support. However, while these are common scenarios where a family law lawyer may be hired, they aren't the only scenarios where one is needed. Here are three other situations you may find yourself in where you could benefit from hiring a family law attorney.

1. Prior to Getting Married

Going through a divorce is hard, especially when there is no prenup in place. No one wants to think about a marriage failing before it even takes place, but it can protect you in the long run. A family law attorney can help you put together a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. This helps to protect everything you've worked for and own prior to marriage and makes the process of getting a divorce, if it comes to that, easier and more civil.

2. When You Are Hiring a Surrogate or Adopting a Child

According to PBS, there are approximately 135,000 children that are adopted in the U.S. every year. However, the processes of hiring a surrogate or adopting a child are quite complex legal situations. The paperwork needs to be properly prepared to meet laws in your state prior to a surrogate having an egg implanted, or prior to you taking possession of a baby or child you have adopted.

3. If You’re in a Domestic Violence Situation

Lastly, if you're experiencing a domestic violence situation, a family law attorney can help you. They can help you make a police report, file for a restraining order, and keep yourself and your children safe until child custody hearings can be held. Additionally, the lawyers can act as a middleman of sorts, ensuring you don't have to communicate with your attacker directly, with all correspondence coming from or through your attorney.

A family law attorney can help you with everything from marriage to divorce to adoption to financial planning for your family to domestic violence situations. If you find yourself in any of these scenarios, you could benefit from consulting with and potentially hiring a legal professional who specializes in family law. Reach out to Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.

How Can a Divorce Attorney Help Your Case?

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:22:00 GMT

When you get married, you expect to be with your spouse for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Family Database, it's estimated that somewhere between 40% and 50% of married couples in the U.S. file for divorce. If you're going through a legal separation, you may find yourself wondering if you need to hire a divorce attorney. Here are just some of the ways a divorce attorney can help your case.

Helping You Understand the Grounds for Divorce in Your State

Every state has different laws regarding the legitimacy of a divorce request. Some states are fault-based and others are no-fault-based. In some states, you can file for divorce immediately, while other states require you to be separated for a period of time. Some states require you to live in the state for a month before filing for divorce, while other states require you to live in the state for upwards of six months. No matter where you live, a divorce lawyer can help you to understand the grounds for divorce in your state and ensure you meet the legal requirements to file for divorce prior to filing.

Providing Reliable Advice and Guidance

If you're going through a divorce, you may have conflicting information coming to you from multiple sources. While most people are well-intentioned, they likely aren't legal professionals. If family or friends are telling you how much spousal support they think you should get or how you should stop paying bills until your case goes to court, they may not be providing you with accurate advice or guidance. An attorney will provide you with reliable advice and guidance, helping you make responsible and informed decisions throughout the entire divorce process. As with any legal proceeding, you want to make sure you have an expert in your corner to share their advice.

Explaining Property and Debt Division

Even if your divorce isn't contentious, you can benefit from hiring a divorce lawyer. Property and debt division can be an especially complicated process. In addition, while you and your soon-to-be ex may be able to come to an agreement without lawyers, there's a good chance that the agreement in question won't be fair to one party. Your divorce attorney will let you know what you're entitled to and what the other party may be entitled to, helping you to make smart and educated decisions when it comes to property and debt division.

Filling Out and Filing Divorce and Child Custody Paperwork

In order to successfully file for divorce, the divorce paperwork and child custody paperwork need to be filled out accurately and correctly. Even a single mistake on the paperwork can cause the application to be returned, stalling the divorce process further. A divorce attorney can fill out and file all the divorce and child custody paperwork on your behalf. You can also count on an expert divorce lawyer to ensure you don't miss any forms along the way. We understand that legal documents can be intimidating to many, and we're here to guide you through it all.

Representing You in Court

In some cases, two parties are unable to reach an agreement on their own when it comes to key issues. This may include the division of property, the division of debt, the amount of alimony or child support paid, or a child custody agreement. If you and your soon-to-be ex cannot agree, the case will go before a judge. If you hire an attorney, they can represent you before the courts. They'll be the voice to represent your best interests, fighting to get you what's fair and legal in your case.

One of the biggest misconceptions pertaining to a divorce attorney is that you only need to hire one if your divorce case is contentious or complex. However, as you can see, many people can benefit from hiring an attorney even if the case seems simple and straightforward. A reliable lawyer looks out for your wellbeing and protects your interests, ensuring everything goes fairly and according to the local law. If you're going through a separation and preparing to file for divorce, our team at Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm would love to represent you. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.