When you marry your spouse, you are likely prepared to be together forever. However, some relationships can fall apart, and you may be in a situation that many other Americans are in as you go through a divorce. To have a more successful outcome, you should have a professional divorce attorney represent you. Here are six qualities to look for in local divorce attorneys.

1. Expertise

Divorce is a major life event. So, when you choose a professional to help you with your case, you want someone who has a solid level of expertise. A divorce lawyer should be aware of all the current laws regarding family law. After all, divorce laws can change throughout whatever state you're in. They should be in tune with every aspect involved with these types of cases so that you have the likelihood of achieving a fair outcome.

2. Experience

Think about the type of divorce you're going through and what level of experience your potential legal professional has. After all, not all divorces are created equal, and you want someone who can handle your situation. In your case, are there several assets worth millions of dollars to handle? Did you and your spouse go into business together? Do you have the custody of minor children to consider? According to the United States Census Bureau, as of May 2020, there were 12.9 million parents with custody of their children. This statistic encompasses 21.9 million children under the age of 21. Whether your divorce deals with a division of several assets or child custody, you should get a lawyer who has experience handling these types of situations.

3. Reputation

Make sure you investigate your potential lawyer's reputation with former clients. After all, lawyers provide a service that can be either a positive or negative experience for those involved. A good lawyer knows the law inside and out and understands their client's needs. So, don't be afraid to ask for a referral so that you can talk to previous clients directly. If the lawyer knows that they can stand by their experience and success rate, they shouldn't hesitate to allow you to talk with people they previously represented. You can also look the law firm up online to see what reviewers have to say on their website.

4. Success

Even the best local divorce attorneys will likely lose a case or not have the most ideal outcome at times. However, you don't want an attorney who has a habit of not producing a positive outcome for their clients. Divorce can be hard for you, and you want to do what you can to ensure your post-divorce life is as comfortable as possible by getting what's due to you. So, you want to enlist the services of local divorce attorneys who have a fairly positive success rate in helping their clients.

5. Transparency

You want a lawyer who will be as transparent as possible about your situation. They should be honest in presenting what they expect from the case and what they've dealt with in the past. After all, you don't want any surprises in your divorce process. Such transparency isn't just regarding how the lawyer goes about business and your particular divorce situation. They should be equally honest and transparent when it comes to their pricing. In other words, if there are any extra charges due to the case going on longer than expected, you should know that beforehand.

6. Communication

It would be difficult if you only saw your lawyer at the trial or in a mediation office. A good lawyer will properly communicate with their client throughout the process. So, look for local divorce attorneys who have a good reputation for communicating well with clients. You want to be able to know what's going on in your case at all times, and if any changes happen, you should be notified immediately. Ask your lawyer about the frequency and type of methods they prefer for communication. They should be clear on communication methods so that you don't end up being disappointed by a lack of connection.

Finding the right local divorce attorneys can make things easier for you. Divorce is already hard, but you don't want to make things harder by not having the right legal team on your side. For a divorce attorney who is there for you and has the right expertise, contact Woodruff & McCaney Law Firm today for a consultation.