Divorces can be a tough process from start to end. It is best to avoid an aggressive divorce attorney and instead hire someone who would best represent a client’s interests and goals. Here are some considerations to take into account when hiring a divorce attorney.
Finding and choosing a lawyer can prove to be a complicated process. California Courts provide resources in finding lawyers. However, at the end of the day, who you choose to hire is entirely up to the client. It is important to consider your personal approach towards the divorce when considering an attorney.
Cons of Hiring an Aggressive Divorce Attorney
If one wants to retain an aggressive attorney for a divorce, they should ask themselves what it would mean for their situation. An aggressive divorce attorney might not best represent you. Here are some potential cons of hiring an aggressive divorce attorney:
- An aggressive divorce attorney might make unreasonable settlement offers. Thus, taking the client out of control of his/her desires for the divorce
- They might refuse to negotiate or respond to offers as an aggressive divorce attorney will be relentless in compromising.
- They might push for a trial. This may endanger the client’s chances of getting what they want from the divorce
- An aggressive divorce attorney might create unreasonable expectations for their own client which, again, would undermine the goals of the client in the divorce.
- They will try to win at all costs. While this might sound good, this might further damage the client’s relationship with their ex or perhaps it would have a negative effect on the divorced couple’s children.
- They are likely to make personal attacks against the other party or attempt to punish the other party. This would affect everyone involved and their interests. If a client wants to keep the situation as calm and simple as possible, this route would be inevitable.
Related: How to Choose an Attorney in California
Pros of Hiring a Strategic and Reasonable Divorce Attorney
Good divorce attorneys are often those who are reasonable and conflict solvers. Divorces are complicated, emotional, and tough, most clients want a divorce attorney who best understands their situation. Here are some potential pros of hiring a more reasonable and strategic divorce attorney:
- A non-aggressive lawyer would work with the other party’s lawyer to achieve desired results and limit the negative impacts of the divorce.
- While an aggressive attorney would focus on going after the other party, a more strategic lawyer would focus on the client interests and how best to represent them
- A reasonable lawyer would propose settlements early to make the divorce short and to the point.
- This lawyer would make compromises to best suit their client.
- They would settle cases when needed, and try cases when needed.
- They would develop solutions to the clients’ problems from the very beginning.
- They would be smart and measured in their tactics and practice.
What to do if Your Ex Hires an Aggressive Divorce Attorney
At the end of the day, one cannot control who their ex hires as their divorce attorney. An ex might hire someone who will not promote civility and conflict resolution. The best option of going against an ex who hired an aggressive divorce attorney is to hire an experienced, confident, and forward attorney. It would be smart to see if one’s potential divorce attorney has dealt with aggressive attorneys before, and how he/she acted accordingly. If a potential divorce attorney has past experience with aggressive divorce attorneys, they might have already demonstrated the ability to plan strategically in similar situations.
Related: 10 Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney Before Hiring
It is in the client’s best interest to choose battles wisely. One should fight for what they desire but be willing to compromise and keep their eyes on their long-term goals. One other option might be to speak with their ex about hiring a more reasonable attorney. An ex might be willing to do so in exchange for an offer to settle on something of importance.
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