Top 5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Toronto
Going through a divorce can be one of life’s most difficult events. Ending a marriage is not easy, but if there is hostility between you and your spouse, things can get even more difficult. A divorce definitely affects your future in one way or another. It is hence very important that you make sure your interests and those of your loved ones are protected by hiring a reliable divorce attorney in Toronto.
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Divorce Attorney in Toronto
There are several important benefits of having a lawyer on your side when filing for a divorce. Under state law in Toronto, you have the right of sharing marital property and assets of the marriage, and if children are involved, you can contest for custody.
Other benefits of using service of this professional include:
- Familiarity with cases — divorce lawyers are familiar with the family law court system.
- Knowledge — a lawyer will advise you on the best strategy to use in your case.
- Higher likelihood of success
- Gives you a level playing field if the other party has legal representation.
Things to Check in a Prospective Divorce Attorney in Toronto
There are quite a number of divorce lawyers in Toronto, as such; choosing one may be a daunting task. Generally, when choosing a divorce lawyer, you should consider the following:
Experience
Each divorce case is unique and you need a lawyer who has successfully handled similar divorce cases. In Toronto, you can file for divorce under several grounds. With many divorce grounds, not every attorney may have the right understanding of your specific case and your family.
In order to properly handle your divorce application, the divorce lawyer will need to know a lot of personal information. You need a professional you are comfortable with, since you will be discussing issues such as your finances, the history of your marital life and if you have children, how you raise them. The lawyer may also see you when you are upset or emotional, hence he or she should be someone you can trust.
Cost of Services
It is important to know how much it will cost you to retain the services of a specific family lawyer in Toronto. Lawyers charge fees which vary and can have different billing and payment mechanisms. Ensure you settle for a lawyer who charges reasonably and is open about all other additional fees that may apply in your case.
Reputation
Considering what former clients say about the services of that attorney is very important. This will help you to determine if he or she is the best placed lawyer for your case or not. Contacting former clients for testimonials is one of the best ways to find out about the attorney.
Availability
You might find a reputable and experienced lawyer, but if he or she is not available for your case, you won’t benefit from the services. Make sure you ask if the lawyer is ready to commit his or her time to deal with the case. You can also ask how communication will be made between you and him or her, and how often swill you be receiving updates.
When looking for a divorce attorney in Toronto, it is important that you settle for a reliable professional. Before settling for any individual, ensure you check if he or she has handled similar cases, and charges rates that are reasonable.