Selecting a divorce lawyer can be a painstaking decision in what is likely the most turbulent time of your life. You are trusting whomever you choose to potentially put your family or financial balance in their hands. This is the person who will mediate or litigate on your behalf, typically for extended periods of time, and weigh in on sensitive family matters. It is important to be comfortable with your attorney and have full faith in their abilities. How do you choose?
These are our tips for selecting the right Orange County divorce lawyer, and if you require mediation or family law litigation services, contact the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens today.
How to Choose an Orange County Divorce Lawyer
There are two distinct types of divorce lawyers: mediators and litigators. While mediators are experts in finalizing outside of the courtroom, litigators battle it out for their clients in court. Deciding between a mediator and a litigator is a good place to start since these options have separate goals.
If you have children and are able to work through marital issues with your partner, a mediator will likely suit your needs. Costs are lower, the timetable is shorter, and it’s typically easier on the children. But if your marriage has a high level of conflict, a litigator may be your best option. Not all divorces can be mediated, after all.
But there are other considerations besides their chosen methods, most notably the client experience. When you’re in need of legal advice, you’re searching for comfort – for an attorney that hears you out, understands your concerns, and keeps your goals in mind. Lastly, you’ll also want to evaluate their experience, location, and how their fees stack up against other local options before making a decision.
Legal & Professional Considerations
Choosing the right Orange County divorce lawyer can be a daunting task, so it’s important to ask yourself some clarifying questions:
- Do you need a lawyer who specializes in mediation or litigation?
- As a parent with children, do you need a lawyer with custody expertise?
- Do your options all have track records of success?
- Does your lawyer have positive reviews on online review sites like Yelp and Avvo?
Asking yourself these questions will make your circumstances clear, allowing for an easier decision. To preserve family ties outside of court, a mediator is best. To settle a high-conflict divorce, litigation is typically the answer. As for positive track records and online reviews, these will eliminate low-performing attorneys and guide you toward the best local options.
Mediate or Litigate with Jennifer Owens, Esq.
Although mediation is our tried-and-true method at the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, Jennifer is also able to litigate on her clients’ behalf when called for. If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement on child custody and visitation, alimony, or property division, litigation may be necessary – and we’re here to get you through it. Schedule a free consultation to kick off the mediation or litigation process for your Orange County divorce.
Orange County Divorce Mediation & Litigation
At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction so that they can finally move on to their next chapter. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will help you achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services, or contact us online for a free consultation.