Hiring the right divorce lawyer is one of the most important decisions you must make during your divorce. You do not want to hire the wrong lawyer, as it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to change lawyers. Here are 9 important points to consider before you hire a divorce lawyer:

Important Point #1: Service.
Do you feel that the lawyer wants to provide you with the help you need? Or do you get the impression that he is looking for bigger fish to fry and that you are just a small fish in the ocean?

Important Point #2: Availability.
Is the lawyer easily accessible by telephone, fax and e-mail? Does he get back to you promptly? Is he available in the evening for you? Or is he found almost as easily as the Loch Ness Monster?

Important Point #3: Attention.
Does the lawyer have so many clients that he cannot provide you with the personal care and attention you deserve? Or does he limit his services to a few select clients who receive the best he has to offer?

Important Point #4: Expertise.
Does the lawyer only practice family law? Or does he spread himself thin by trying to be a "jack of all trades" so that he can provide whatever legal services people need?

Important Point #5: Compassion and Understanding.
Does the lawyer actually care about his clients? Or are his clients simply "files" that he works on?

Important Point #6: Comfort.
Do you feel comfortable with the lawyer? Or is his ego so big that it barely fits into the room?

Important Point #7: Testimonials.
Have you read comments from clients who were pleased with the lawyer’s efforts? Or are you only assuming the lawyer can do what he says?

Important Point #8: Academic Background.
Has the lawyer won academic awards? Has the lawyer graduated from one of the best law schools in the country? Has the lawyer pursued graduate studies in law? Or has the lawyer just done the minimum necessary to get by?

Important Point #9: Authority.
Has the lawyer published several articles in respected publications or been interviewed as an expert on T.V.?