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When choosing a divorce lawyer in Los Angeles cost is the foremost consideration in deciding which divorce attorney will represent you. This usually results in divorce clients opting for the “cheapest” divorce attorney they can find. However, choosing a lawyer just because they are cheap is a gamble that could turn out to be a costly mistake. We are not suggesting that you should completely ignore the low-cost factor when making your decision. However, we are saying you should balance out your financial concern by factoring in the divorce attorney’s competency and relevant experience.
Search engine statistics show that the key terms “Low Cost Divorce Attorney” and “Cheap Divorce Lawyer” as being among the most frequent queries in the search for a divorce attorney. Using the words “low cost divorce” and “cheap” as opposed to “affordable” infers that the potential client assumes the divorce process, and the lawyer, to be a commodity. However, legal skill, experience, and tenacity is not a commodity , and hiring a “low cost” and “cheap” divorce attorney does not guarantee your divorce case will be low cost.
Every divorce case possesses unique dynamics. Do you have children? Are you a business owner, or have other potentially intricate asset division matters? The disposition of the divorcing couple is another critical factor in assessing the potential cost of your divorce case. Answer this question with complete honesty: Do you estimate that you or your spouse will be bitter or combative during such a critical life transition as a divorce separation?
That factor alone can make the cost of your divorce unpredictable. That being said, no divorce attorney can honestly promise you a true “flat fee” for a divorce without you being shorted from your best possible settlement. Sure, low-cost flat-fee legal representation sounds enticing but rest assured that “cheap” representation will be just that—cheap.
The opposite extreme of the “cheap lawyer” spectrum is hiring the expensive and flashy attorney. Many think that hiring the expensive divorce lawyer is the solution. It’s not. It’s common to find an expensive attorney who will woo you with their shimmery legal display and fancy office. Don’t fall for this mistake. Nor should you make the mistake of hiring an “aggressive attorney.” If you care about the the steps you are taking into the next stage of your life then there should be no shortcuts, you are just going to have to do your homework.
You want a level headed and composed divorced attorney, not one that always wants to initiate a fight. Fighting prolongs the divorce process and prolonging the divorce will cost you money— remember? Be honest with yourself and consider the emotional stability of yourself and your spouse. Do you have children? Do you have a business? Shared property? These are all factors you need to consider about your legal situation.
In choosing your ideal dissolution attorney the standard should be choosing one who is a certified family law specialist. Many lawyers will offer you counsel as long as you can pay their fees, even if the bulk of their practice is in personal injury or another miscellaneous practice of law. Does the lawyer practice 5 different areas of law? Personal injury, criminal law, real estate, insurance, and family law you say? That’s a flag.
Your best bet is hiring a divorce attorney that is a certified specialist in California family law. Looking for a divorce and family law attorney with legal specialization is the best way to be assured you will be working with a competent and proficient family law attorney versus an attorney that practices everything under the sun. The State Bar of California has a Board of Legal Specialization that oversees a certification process. Attorneys can specialize in areas like admiralty and maritime; appellate law; and bankruptcy law.
The people who rely on our family law services know with confidence that their lawyer has extensive knowledge in their Family law area of concern. They can trust that we are up-to-date on the latest in case law and statutes and that I have the requisite experience to represent them in both negotiation and litigation.
In a case that can decide your future finances, assets, and relationship with your children, having confidence in your representation is of utmost importance. The specialization process ensures that the Los Angeles family law attorney you have hired is capable, competent, and committed.
Do you anticipate having a financially complex divorce? Do you have assets that will need to be divided? Acquiring a divorce lawyer in Los Angeles with a CPA background is extremely beneficial and rare. I am one of only very few highly experienced attorneys in Los Angeles County representing clients that also has expertise as a former CPA and who has also achieved the distinguished title of a California Board Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS).
From the simplest divorce cases to the most complex and dynamic financial family law issues you can be assured you will get the most skilled, diligent, and comprehensive divorce attorney for your money.
Call me today for a consultation.
Charles M. Green is Certified as a Family Law Specialist through the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.
A Certified Family Law Specialist must pass an extensive written examination in the variety of subjects that are family law, be approved by a peer review process and show proficiency in Family Law by having represented clients in a sufficient number of Family Law cases with varying degrees of complexity. Continuing education is required to maintain this specialty designation.
Charles Green also has prior experience as a Certified Public Accountant. This combination of legal and financial experience and education makes Charles M. Green uniquely qualified to represent clients in the most complex of financial issues that are found in...