What to know before hiring a divorce lawyer

If you are thinking about a divorce, few things are going to make a bigger difference than the divorce lawyer in Austin that you choose. Your lawyer can make this process go as smoothly as possible and protect your assets, but only if you hire the right person. It’s important to have someone local to your Austin, TX area who knows the courts here and who is intimately familiar with Texas family law.

Key Considerations When Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Experience

Possibly the most important thing to consider is the experience of a potential lawyer. Your life is in this person’s hands, and the decisions that you make during a divorce will intimately affect your future and the future of your children. That’s not something you want to trust to a novice. Make sure that your lawyer has plenty of experience in family law. Ideally, you want to work with a lawyer who belongs to a law firm dedicated solely to family law.

The law is too big for any one lawyer to be skilled in every area of law. For this reason, competent lawyers and law firms tend to dedicate themselves to just a few areas of law. Family law on its own is quite large, and only a firm that spends its time studying family law and working within it in the family law courts of Texas will be able to give you the smoothest possible experience.

One important aspect of experience is familiarity with different types of divorce. Some divorces are settled as the couple talk together in mediation. Other divorces go to trial. Ideally, you want lawyers who have experience in all types of divorce.

Track Record

Another question is the overall track record of your attorney. It’s important that they have experience with all types of divorce, from relatively quick non-adversarial divorce – where both sides agree on all major issues and the only question is how quickly a lawyer can get them through the process – all the way up to those highly contentious divorces where both spouses disagree on everything. Look to see not just that the lawyer has taken on these types of divorces but, also that they have a track record of success with all types.

The reason this is important is that, no matter how you think your divorce may go, the potential is always there for it to escalate into a much bigger battle than you were expecting. In a divorce, emotions run so high that even a couple who goes into it with the best possible intentions and a strong desire to get through the process quickly and have a good relationship on the other side may find themselves at odds with each other over something they didn’t expect. You want a lawyer who knows how quickly things can change in the midst of divorce and who can smooth the road successfully. You also want to be sure that your lawyer’s track record shows they know how to protect their clients’ interests in the midst of even the most contentious divorce.

Options

Lawyers who have experience in family law will be able to offer you some options. For example, if you and your spouse do agree and are determined to get through this divorce as quickly as possible, you may qualify for a flat-fee divorce. A flat-fee divorce is cheaper and faster than any other type, and the costs are completely controlled, so there are no surprises as long as you can continue to agree on all the important aspects of your divorce.

But a good lawyer should also be able to step right in if you have a highly contentious divorce, if you have especially large assets, or if you need help with protection through restraining orders against an abusive spouse. It never hurts to ask if your lawyer also has options for payment.

Communication Skills

Lawyers are by nature communicators, but that doesn’t mean that every one can communicate as effectively with you as another. A lawyer’s primary job is to communicate in a courtroom setting and work around and with laws that can be difficult to interpret and are written in language that is sometimes incomprehensible to lay persons. It’s important to find a lawyer who can translate all of this into language that you can understand, so you know from the beginning how the law is going to affect your divorce, what your options are, and what rights and options your spouse has, as well.

Additionally, in order for your divorce to go well, you will need to be frank with your lawyer about many personal issues. If you’re going to do this, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the person on the other side of the table. As you meet with your lawyer for the first time, evaluate their communication skills concerning you. Do you feel understood and heard? Do you understand what they’re talking about when they explain something? If you ask for further explanation, do you get the sense that they are frustrated or are they happy to explain it again in different terms?

Process

Every law firm has a different process, and if you know what to expect going in, the whole thing will be a lot easier. When you have your initial consultation with a lawyer, ask questions about how things should go. What are they going to need from you? What are the various steps that your divorce is going to go through? How often should you expect to hear from them, and who will be contacting you to give you updates or ask you for more information?

It’s not uncommon for a law firm to hire paralegals and other administrative professionals to do a lot of the communication with clients. That way, the lawyers’ time can be devoted to tasks that only they are able to accomplish. However, you should know in advance who you’ll be talking to, and you should have confidence that if anything important comes up, you’ll be able to talk directly to your lawyer.

Honesty

A final important thing to consider as you talk with a potential divorce lawyer is their ability to be honest with you. Everyone goes into a divorce with hopes, but some of those hopes are not realistic. The worst thing would be for your lawyer to promise you that you can have everything you want in your divorce, only for you to find out later that that’s simply impossible.

A good lawyer will be honest with you from the outset. They will tell you what costs to expect, they will listen to and evaluate your goals and then tell you what’s realistic, and they will even help you consider overlooked issues that could put you in a better position than you expected. As with anything in life, if a promise sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for a lawyer who is frank with you about your goals and how this process is going to go.

Contact us today at the Evans Family Law Group in Austin, TX for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your goals and how our trusted, creative, and experienced family attorney in Austin, TX can help.

James Evans

James W. Evans is a board-certified family law attorney and the founder of Evans Family Law Group. With over 25 years of experience, he has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for Texas families navigating divorce, custody, and complex family law matters.
Accolades & Distinctions

Named one of Texas Monthly’s “Super Lawyers” from 2015 – 2022
Named by Martindale as one of the “Top Lawyers in Texas”
9.5/10 rating on Avvo, based on clients’ reviews
Featured as a legal expert on Austin’s local radio station

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I had a great experience working with Jimmy Evans on my divorce case. He provided excellent counsel and always focused on getting me the best results. He was accommodating and made sure I understood each step of the process. His paralegal, Dina, was also wonderful! She kept communication clear and timely, and I could always count on her for quick updates and answers.

The firm as a whole was efficient, professional, and supportive, which made a difficult process much easier to navigate. I highly recommend Jimmy Evans and his team.

Coral G.

I’m incredibly thankful for the Evans Family Law Group, especially Jimmy Evans and his paralegal, Ashley, for the guidance, support, and compassion they showed me during one of the most stressful and emotionally draining times in my life. From the very beginning, they were responsive, patient, and truly made me feel like I wasn’t alone in the process.

Ashley was amazing to work with. She’s incredibly organized, always on top of every detail, and consistently kept me in the loop about what was going on. Anytime I had a question or concern (and I had a lot!), she was quick to respond and always made sure I understood exactly what was happening. Her calm and professional demeanor gave me a lot of peace of mind during a time when everything felt uncertain.

Michelle I.

Jimmy is arguably one of the best family lawyers in Austin. Cares about his clients and has the track record of recognition to back it up. Rare to find a divorce attorney in Austin with such positive reviews and that should tell you all you need to know! Divorce and custody battles are difficult, hire the right attorney first and get your desired result. If you want what is best for your family, you should hire the best lawyer you can. Jimmy and his team are the answer!

Chase S.

Austin

Are you facing the prospect of a divorce in Austin and unsure where to turn for guidance? Handling the challenges of divorce can be difficult, especially when it involves issues like child custody, property division, and spousal support. Our Austin divorce lawyers are committed to helping you find effective solutions that protect your interests and provide peace of mind during this pivotal time. For personalized legal assistance with your divorce, reach out to Evans Family Law Group today.

Bastrop County

Our Bastrop County Divorce Lawyer guides you through the multiple steps of divorce, ensuring your rights and interests are protected every step of the way. Imagine trying to handle a divorce without a knowledgeable guide—it’s like sailing through a storm without a compass. For example, understanding Texas divorce laws, like residency requirements and property division, can be confusing without help. Don’t face this challenging time alone.

Hays County

Imagine facing the daunting task of dividing assets, determining child custody, and navigating spousal support—all while dealing with the emotional strain of a marriage ending. This is where a skilled divorce lawyer steps in and provides the necessary support to make the process as smooth as possible. A Hays County Divorce Lawyer is dedicated to guiding individuals through the divorce process with knowledge and compassion.

Travis County

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process that can be overwhelming without the right support and guidance. If you are considering or going through a divorce in Travis County, having a knowledgeable divorce lawyer by your side is imperative. A Travis County divorce lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of local family law, protect your rights, and ensure a fair outcome.

Williamson County

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process. Navigating the challenges of divorce can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. A Williamson County Divorce Lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.