If divorce is imminent, it’s important to know how to proceed. Even if you’re not in love anymore, you still need to be civil when the divorce is all over. To make things smoother and your life easier, it’s best to hire a lawyer who specializes in this field of law.
Knowing which questions to ask can help you find the right lawyer for your case. When looking for the best divorce lawyer in San Mateo County, there are certain factors to consider.
Do You Need a Local Divorce Lawyer?
If you are considering a divorce in San Mateo County, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. While it is not required to have an attorney to get a divorce in California, there are situations where it may be beneficial to hire one. Choosing a local attorney, say here in Redwood City or San Mateo, or other towns in or around San Mateo County, is helpful as you want the case to be filed locally here at San Mateo County Superior Court .
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement on major issues such as child custody or child support, an experienced divorce attorney like Redwood City divorce lawyer Bradley Bayan (formerly located in San Mateo), can help you work out the terms of a settlement or if necessary, contest the terms of your divorce. If you have a complex financial situation, you may also benefit from hiring an experienced divorce lawyer who knows how to deal with the division of assets and debts.
Most people find that having your own attorney to advocate for you is better than doing it themselves, especially if the divorce is not amicable.
Honest Feedback and Advice
Bradley Bayan believes a good divorce lawyer will give you straightforward and honest answers. Many lawyers will try to sugarcoat the situation or give you false hope in order to get your business, but a good divorce lawyer will be upfront with you about what to expect. This is not to say he is not compassionate or sympathetic. But it is important to find a way to settle disputes, find compromises, and minimize costly in-court fighting. This includes discussing things like spousal support, child custody, and child support. If you’re getting a divorce in California, it’s especially important to find a good divorce attorney who can help you navigate the complicated divorce process.
Rates and Fees
If you’re going through a divorce, you may want to make sure you have a good divorce lawyer on your side. While it’s important to find an attorney who is experienced in handling divorce cases in California, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get quality representation. Ask about hourly rate or fees while evaluating hiring a lawyer.
A competent lawyer knows the goal is not to have you spend money having him argue on your behalf but rather to find a way to negotiate fair terms as quickly as possible. Some of this may be out of your control if your soon to be ex is resistant or vindictive. But if your goal is getting divorced with as much grace and commonsense as possible, you can contribute to a cost effective divorce.
Great Communication Skills
A good attorney should have excellent communication skills when negotiating with opposing counsel or presenting your case in court in front of the judge. Also an attorney who is able to communicate well with clients can ease their stress and help them understand all aspects of the divorce process is beneficial. It also helps if they have a staff that can also support clients through the divorce process.
Divorce Expertise
You will also want a specialist who has knowledge about different types of divorce, such as gray divorce, short term marriages, and divorce with children. He should understand child custody, child support, spousal support, community property, and other relevant legal issues that relate directly to your situation. Choosing a lawyer with experience in your specific type of divorce will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your case. An experienced lawyer will also be able to assess your situation and determine the best course of action for your case.
Awards and Recognition
Some awards and recognition are important when looking for a lawyer. A lawyer recognized for their legal work is a plus. But most importantly you will want to ensure they are a member in good standing with the California Bar. Also word of mouth and checking online reviews is often a good method of locating a good attorney.
Meet Potential Divorce Lawyers in Person
Most lawyers will offer a free or low cost consultation. Attorneys in demand may charge their normal hourly fee for meeting with them. a consultation is a chance for you to meet your potential lawyer and see how you like talking to them. You will want to see if your concerns will be reasonably addressed and if you feel comfortable with them.
Schedule a Consultation With Bradley Bayan -California Divorce Lawyer
If you are thinking about filing for divorce or trying to figure out whom to hire as your divorce attorney, it may be worth meeting with Bradley Bayan. With over 20 years of experience in divorce law and an outstanding reputation, you may find he is the lawyer you need. His goal is to help you cut through the mumbo-jumbo, safeguard your interests, and ensure that your divorce goes smoothly.
If you are considering divorce, contact the Law Offices of Bradley Bayan at (650) 364-3600 to discuss your options. During your initial consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case.