Things to Consider When Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in DuPage County

Searching for an attorney to help you throughout your divorce can be a difficult, but necessary, journey to take on. You have probably seen TV advertisements for personal injury claims or criminal defense lawyers, but you may be left wondering where you can turn to find a reputable divorce lawyer. Divorce can be a topic that many people do not want to discuss with others, making it more difficult to broach the subject with a recently divorced acquaintance. However, there are ways to find an experienced attorney without publicly announcing your divorce and asking for suggestions on social media.

For those living in the DuPage County area, there are a number of divorce attorneys who you can work with in your local jurisdiction. The high number of firms in your area may leave you uncertain about who to work with, but with the following considerations in mind, you can find the proper lawyer for you and your family:

Shop Around

It is important to take the time to look at all of your options rather than hiring the first attorney that you speak with. Many firms offer free initial consultations to allow you to speak with their lawyers without being on the hook for an hourly rate. Take advantage of these free meetings to talk with a few attorneys in your area before settling on one legal professional.

Discuss Your Situation

While it may seem uncomfortable to talk about the ugly details of your marriage, you should be sure that an attorney is experienced in the areas that pertain to your divorce. If you have children and foresee a contentious custody battle in your future, you should ask the divorce lawyer about their previous experience with these types of cases. High net worth divorces can also involve a variety of complex issues, so you will want to be sure an attorney has the relevant experience to address these concerns.

Mediation Experience

If you and your spouse have an amicable relationship and are not expecting a difficult divorce, you should consider finding a firm that also offers divorce mediation. Not all divorces require time in court — you and your spouse may be able to create your divorce agreement together with the help of a mediator. It is important to find a firm with experience in litigation and mediation so that you have adequate legal representation if conflict arises.

Utilize Directories

Along with online reviews from previous clients, the internet has a number of resources for Illinois residents searching for a reputable attorney. Legal directories allow you to apply filters to your search, including the practice area you are looking at and the location that you are in, to provide you with results that pertain to your needs. These directories also often have qualification requirements for attorneys to be included, guaranteeing that the professionals are up to your standards.

Ask About Cost

Realistically speaking, you should be asking about attorney’s fees from the start. This can be an uncomfortable topic to bring up, but without knowledge about what to expect, you may be signing up for fees that you simply cannot afford. Legal proceedings represent a financial investment that will ensure that you can achieve a positive outcome to your case, but there are ways to find a reputable attorney without exceeding your budget.

Making the decision to file for divorce will often put you in uncharted waters. Your initial concern may be how you can find a reputable attorney in your area who fits your needs. This can seem overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you can make sure you have the right person on your side to address your legal concerns, allowing you to focus on planning your future.

Sean P. Sullivan

Attorney Sean P. Sullivan is a founding member of the SBK Law Group located in Naperville, Illinois. After graduating from Western Michigan Law School in 2009, Attorney Sullivan returned to his hometown to assist those in his area with their legal concerns, including divorce and family law. He focuses on highly contested cases, but also offers divorce mediation for those who have a more amicable relationship.