How do you know if you have chosen the right lawyer to represent you during your high-conflict divorce? This can be the trickiest step that you face early on in the process and most of us are ill-equipped to discern a good from a bad choice. It is also a decision this has serious consequences. Switching counsel during the process will be expensive. Having a lawyer that you trust will make you feel so much more confident when you head into court for a motion, conference or trial.
My advice is to interview many even though it will cost you more to do so. This is not the place to cut corners!
Here are some pertinent questions you will need them to answer:
- have you litigated against the ex’s lawyer and how did it go?
- will there be a Junior lawyer on the file?
- have you dealt with an opponents with mental health issues or narcissistic tendencies?
- what is your stand on custody?
- do you allow your clients to collaborate on the file?
There is no substitute for grey matter. In a high-conflict divorce you need someone who can think outside the box and predict the obstacles. You need someone who will listen to you and believe what you have to say about your ex. You need someone that you can trust to fight for the welfare of you and your children. Ultimately, you need someone who with experience fighting a “Terrorist”.