Jan 14, 2020

What to Look for In a Divorce Attorney

he attorney you choose to represent you during a divorce is a big decision, and you need someone with your best interest in mind. You’re going to spend a lot of time with your attorney, so aside from being someone you’re comfortable working with, there are several characteristics your attorney should have. Below we’ll cover what to look for in a divorce attorney.

Great Communication and Listening Skills

While your attorney will do most of the talking and footwork, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t involve you in the process. A great divorce attorney will be an exceptional communicator, especially when the conversations involve major decisions, such as alimony or child support, if applicable. Your attorney should be able to communicate your options and any law requirements in a manner that’s easy to understand. Alternatively, when you’re communicating your goals and desires, your attorney should be actively listening.

Experience and Expertise

Ideally, your attorney should have extensive experience and a proven track record of success in family law. Many law firms are happy to share their success rates with potential clients. In addition, if you want to settle the divorce in a particular method, such as litigation, arbitration, or collaborative divorce, you should find an attorney with expertise in that field.

A Sense of Urgency and Availability

The divorce process can be long, tedious, and stressful. That said, your attorney should have a sense of urgency to get you in and out of the divorce process as quickly as possible. Attorney and court fees add up quickly, and you don’t want an attorney that takes excessive time to decide something on your behalf. In addition, when you’re looking to hire an attorney, you want to look for availability. In other words, the attorney you choose should be ready to get to work without much delay, if any. Furthermore, your attorney should always be available to answer your questions, talk through options, and offer advice throughout the process.


Choosing someone to represent you during a divorce is a challenging and tedious process, which is why it’s important to know what to look for in a divorce attorney. You deserve the best attorney to represent you.


At SDF Law we are passionate. We are proud to be a trusted Chicago Family Law Firm. Our attorneys exemplify all of the above attributes. We always keep your best interest in mind—contact us today to set up a meeting at one of our three offices.

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