How to Choose a Collaborative Law Attorney

Choosing an attorney is an important part of the overall divorce process. It is one of the first steps you will take, and it can greatly affect your chances of success. If you’ve decided to pursue a collaborative divorce, you will need to find a divorce attorney in North Carolina who has experience with this specific area of the legal world. But how exactly do you go about selecting an attorney? During this time, you may be dealing with all kinds of other issues, and it may not be easy to assess various options. You might not have time to meet with prospective candidates due to work, child-raising commitments, and all of the emotional baggage that comes with ending a marriage. Furthermore, you may feel completely out of your depth due to your lack of legal knowledge. 

Fortunately, you can follow a few easy steps in order to find an experienced, qualified collaborative divorce attorney. It would be best if you looked out for a few things, and it becomes easier to find the right choice when you know what they are. Your collaborative law attorney can explain various aspects of divorce law, and they can negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Firstly, you might want to consider the qualifications of any prospective attorney. Obviously, a law degree is a good sign, but there are other things you should assess, as well. For example, you may want to consider the specific law school from which the lawyer graduated. In addition, it is worth mentioning that there are specialized training programs that focus specifically on collaborative law. Many lawyers hold certifications from these training programs that provide specialized skills and knowledge relating to the collaborative divorce process. Many lawyers also continue their education by taking new courses and training programs throughout the years to stay updated on all the modern strategies and techniques. 

Negotiation is a massive component of collaborative divorce, so you will want to choose a lawyer with strong negotiating skills. Negotiation is a real art, and it is more complex than you might think. The best negotiators are able to use convincing language that elicits emotional responses, and it is not always as straightforward as being stubborn and holding your ground. Sometimes, the best negotiators are those who can compromise effectively and ensure that both parties are reaching a favorable outcome. Remember, the overall collaborative divorce process will only succeed if both spouses can agree on a separation agreement that serves both their interests. 

Communication skills are related to negotiation skills, but they also come into play outside of the negotiation room. The best attorneys are excellent communicators who always keep you in the loop. Whether they are keeping you updated with phone calls, emails, or text messages, these lawyers want you to know what is going on with your own divorce. If you feel like your attorney needs to be paying attention to you or providing you with important information about your divorce, this is clearly not a good sign. Look for an attorney who can explain complex legal concepts concisely and easily. 

At the end of the day, it is only possible to truly make an informed decision if you meet with your attorney face-to-face. This initial consultation is one of the most important meetings you will have with your prospective attorney, as it lays the foundation for the entire process that lies ahead. You will have a chance to voice any concerns and ask important questions. On the other hand, the prospective attorney will also have a chance to explain their own personal philosophy toward divorce. During this consultation, you can get a sense of their personality. This is more important than you might think, as you will be spending a lot of time with your lawyer in the coming months. 

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced collaborative law attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses in North Carolina approach the collaborative divorce process in a highly efficient manner. We understand the importance of wrapping up your divorce in an expedited, convenient, and stress-free manner. With our assistance, you can put your marriage behind you and step forward confidently toward the next chapter of your life. Book your consultation today.