How to Hire the Right Colorado Divorce Lawyer

Where to Start?

Colorado’s divorce laws and procedures differ from other states, so it’s crucial to find a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can guide you through the process effectively.

When navigating the complexities of divorce proceedings, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference in ensuring your smooth and favorable outcome. It’s important to begin with an honest assessment of your current situation and a clear understanding of where you want to end up. With this information, your attorney will know the best way to handle your case and create a strategy to achieve the results that matter most to you.

Here are 11 essential tips to consider when hiring a divorce lawyer in Colorado:

1. Seek Recommendations

Friends, family, neighbors and even colleagues are a great way to start your search for recommendations. Though we serve many areas of Colorado (like Denver, Grand Junction and Fort Collins), in Colorado Springs specifically many residents seek help on the 411 for the 719. We are a proud Prime Member of this community and are actively recommended by Rob Thompson himself.

If friends or family don’t have a reliable referral, you can always research for local attorneys on the internet. Reviews on various platforms like Google and Apple Maps, mentions of experience on a team member’s page, and experts showing transparency with lots of helpful content is a good place to start for ensuring you can trust the attorney you hire.

2. Utilize Online Resources

If you prefer to keep your search confidential, consider using online resources such as legal directories like Martindale.com or SuperLawyers.com. These platforms offer ratings and reviews from fellow attorneys, providing additional insight into a lawyer’s credentials and reputation.

Please note that in some case scenarios, there are law firms that pay top dollar to appear as #1 on these websites. They may appear as “sponsored” or may have no indicator at all. Being listed first doesn’t always mean they’re best, but it doesn’t mean they’re unqualified either. Research the lawyers you’re looking into in detail before you make a decision. Are they transparent? Are they realistic in explaining possible outcomes? What are their strategies to ensure your success?

3. Consider The Law Firm’s Size

Determine whether you prefer to work with a large law firm or a smaller practice. Larger firms may offer more resources and expertise for complex cases, while smaller firms can provide personalized attention and cost-effective solutions.

For example, if you have a complex divorce case involving significant assets such as property division and heirlooms, or contested child custody, a large firm with ample resources may be better equipped to handle your needs. Conversely, if you value personalized attention and need to be budget-conscious, a smaller firm might be a better fit.

4. Research

Conduct thorough research on divorce lawyers before scheduling any meetings. Review their websites, examine their professional background, and search for any additional information that may be relevant to your case.

How To Choose a Family Attorney Online

• Reviews: 5-Star reviews is a great start, but if it’s 5 stars and the firm has less than 30 reviews it is likely a combination of clients and friends/family who have left reviews. This bias could affect your case down the road.
• Website Menu: Make sure that you can quickly find whether or not the law firm has specialty in what you need. Our attorneys cover everything from divorce, alimony, family law, child support and custody, adoption to various forms of estate planning, trusts, wills and retirement.
• Do They Offer eBooks: Law firms that are willing to be more transparent in helping you achieve success are a good option. Colorado Legal Group offers a variety of ebooks, our most popular being The Ultimate Guide to Child Custody.

5. Schedule Interview Consultation

Arrange consultations with multiple lawyers to discuss your case and assess their suitability. Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview, focusing on their experience, approach to divorce cases, and communication style. For example, you might ask about their experience handling child custody disputes or high-conflict divorces. When meeting with a divorce lawyer, it’s essential to ask relevant questions to assess their suitability for your case and ensure effective communication and representation.

Eight Questions to Ask an Attorney In a Consultation

When meeting with a divorce lawyer, it’s essential to ask relevant questions to assess their suitability for your case and ensure effective communication and representation. Here are some questions you should consider asking and why they are important:

• How long have you been practicing family law, and what percentage of your practice is dedicated to divorce cases? This question helps gauge the lawyer’s level of experience and expertise in handling divorce cases specifically. You want to ensure that the lawyer has a significant portion of their practice dedicated to family law to demonstrate their specialization in this area.
• Have you handled cases similar to mine before? If so, what were the outcomes? Inquiring about the lawyer’s experience with cases similar to yours allows you to assess their track record and success rate in achieving favorable outcomes. It also provides insight into their familiarity with the specific issues and complexities involved in your case.
• What is your approach to divorce proceedings, and how do you typically communicate with clients? Understanding the lawyer’s approach to divorce proceedings allows you to assess whether their methods align with your preferences and expectations. Additionally, knowing how they communicate with clients ensures that you can stay informed and involved throughout the process.
• What are the potential legal strategies for resolving my case, and what are the associated risks and benefits? Discussing potential legal strategies with the lawyer allows you to understand the options available for resolving your divorce case. They should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
• What are the potential costs and fees associated with my case, and how are they structured? Understanding the financial aspects of hiring a divorce lawyer is crucial for budgeting and planning purposes. Ask about the lawyer’s fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. Clarify how costs will be billed and whether payment plans are available.
• How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with the other party or their attorney? Conflict resolution is an integral part of divorce proceedings, and it’s essential to know how your lawyer approaches disputes. Ask about their negotiation and mediation skills, as well as their experience with litigation if the case goes to court.
• What is your availability, and how quickly can I expect responses to my questions or concerns? Communication is key in any attorney-client relationship, so it’s essential to clarify the lawyer’s availability and responsiveness. Ask about their preferred methods of communication and how quickly you can expect to receive updates or responses to your inquiries.
• Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients? Requesting references or testimonials allows you to hear directly from past clients about their experiences working with the lawyer. Positive testimonials can provide reassurance about the lawyer’s competence, professionalism, and dedication to client satisfaction.

6. Evaluate Experience

Inquire about the lawyer’s experience handling divorce cases similar to yours. Ask about their success rate, case outcomes, and strategies for resolving disputes. For instance, if you’re facing a complex property division issue, you might ask the lawyer about their experience handling such matters and the outcomes they’ve achieved for their clients.

How To Evaluate a Lawyer

When evaluating a divorce lawyer, there are several indicators of success and accomplishment you should consider. These include:

• Education: Look for a lawyer who has received a quality education from a reputable law school. While a prestigious law degree is not a guarantee of success, it can indicate a strong foundation in legal principles and critical thinking skills.
• Work Experience: Prioritize divorce lawyers with significant experience practicing family law and handling divorce cases. Experience allows lawyers to develop specialized knowledge, practical skills, and familiarity with local court procedures and judges.
• Track Record: Review the lawyer’s track record of success in handling divorce cases. Consider factors such as case outcomes, settlements achieved, and client satisfaction. Positive testimonials and referrals from past clients can provide valuable insights into the lawyer’s competence and effectiveness.
• Specialization: Choose a lawyer who specializes in family law and has a focus on divorce and related issues. Specialization demonstrates a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of divorce law, as well as a commitment to serving clients in this specific area.
• Awards and Recognitions: Look for lawyers who have received awards, honors, or recognitions for their excellence in the field of family law. These accolades can indicate peer recognition, leadership, and exceptional performance.
• Professional Associations: Consider divorce lawyers who are active members of professional associations and organizations related to family law, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association (ABA). Membership in these organizations may demonstrate a commitment to staying current on legal developments and networking with other professionals in the field.
• Continuing Education: Evaluate whether the lawyer regularly participates in continuing legal education (CLE) programs and seminars focused on family law. Continuous learning and professional development are essential for staying abreast of changes in the law and refining legal skills.

Now, let’s differentiate between a Lawyer and an Attorney:

• What is a Lawyer?
  The term “lawyer” is a broad and general one that refers to any individual who has obtained a legal education and is licensed to practice law. It encompasses a wide range of legal professionals, including attorneys, solicitors, barristers, and legal consultants.
• How is an Attorney Different from a Lawyer?
  An “attorney” is a specific type of lawyer who is authorized to represent clients in the courtroom in legal matters, including litigation, negotiations, and advocacy. In many jurisdictions, the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” are used interchangeably. However, in some contexts, an attorney may refer specifically to a lawyer who is actively practicing law and representing clients in legal proceedings.If you would like to be represented in the courtroom, you will need an attorney.

7. Understand Fee Structures

Understand the lawyer’s fee structure, whether it’s hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees. Clarify any additional costs or expenses associated with your case to avoid surprises later on.
What is an Attorney Retainer Fee?

An attorney retainer fee is a payment made by a client to a lawyer to secure their services for a specific legal matter. It is essentially a down payment or advance payment for legal services that the lawyer will render on behalf of the client. The retainer fee is typically paid upfront before any legal work begins and serves as a guarantee of the client’s commitment to retaining the lawyer’s services.

Once the retainer fee is paid, the lawyer is obligated to provide legal representation and services to the client as outlined in the retainer agreement. The retainer fee may cover various legal services, including consultations, document preparation, negotiations, court appearances, and other related tasks.

8. Review The Engagement Letter

An engagement letter from a divorce attorney is a formal agreement between the attorney and their client outlining the terms and conditions of their professional relationship. Here are some common elements typically included in an engagement letter from a divorce attorney:

• Identification of Parties: The engagement letter will identify the attorney or law firm providing legal services and the client(s) seeking representation in the divorce matter.
• Scope of Representation: This section outlines the specific legal services the attorney will provide in relation to the divorce case. It may include tasks such as filing paperwork, negotiating settlements, representing the client in court hearings, and providing legal advice.
• Fees and Billing: The engagement letter specifies the attorney’s fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees (if applicable). It also outlines any retainer or deposit required upfront and provides details on billing practices, such as how often invoices will be sent and the accepted methods of payment.
• Expenses: The letter may detail the client’s responsibility for reimbursing the attorney for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the representation, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or travel expenses.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: A confidentiality clause ensures that any information shared between the attorney and client remains confidential and protected under attorney-client privilege, except under certain circumstances outlined by law.
• Termination of Representation: This section outlines the procedures and conditions under which either party may terminate the attorney-client relationship. It may include provisions for the client to terminate representation with or without cause and procedures for the attorney to withdraw from the case.
• Conflict of Interest: The engagement letter may address potential conflicts of interest that could arise during the representation and how they will be handled.
  Governing Law: The letter may specify the jurisdiction and laws that govern the agreement and any disputes that may arise from it.
• Signature of Both Parties: Both the attorney and the client(s) are typically required to sign the engagement letter to indicate their agreement to its terms and conditions.

9. Maintain Open Communication

Throughout the attorney-client relationship, prioritize open communication with your lawyer via phone or email. Stay proactive in providing necessary information and documentation, and ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

10. Monitor Progress

Monitoring the progress of your divorce case is crucial to stay informed and ensure that your attorney is effectively handling the proceedings.

Here are three ways you can monitor their progress:

• Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your divorce attorney. Schedule regular updates or check-ins to discuss the status of your case. During these meetings, ask specific questions about what has been accomplished, what steps are next, and any potential obstacles or delays.
• Review Documentation and Correspondence: Your attorney should provide you with copies of all important documents related to your case, such as court filings, correspondence with the other party’s attorney, and any relevant agreements or contracts.
• Monitor Court Dates and Deadlines: Stay informed about upcoming court dates, deadlines for filing paperwork, and other important milestones in your divorce case. Your attorney should keep you informed about these dates, but it’s also essential to track them independently. You can do this by maintaining a calendar specifically for your divorce proceedings and setting reminders for key dates. Missing deadlines or court appearances can significantly impact the progress of your case, so staying organized and aware is essential.

11. Address Concerns Promptly

If you encounter any dissatisfaction with your lawyer or the representation provided, address your concerns promptly. Consider terminating the relationship if necessary and seek alternative legal representation as needed.

Fill out our form for a free case evaluation or call us at 720-594-7360 to get started.