Unlike many other types of lawyer, divorce lawyers are called in to deal with the break up of a relationship so they to be competent in their chosen field and have the right attitude. In these circumstances you will need a divorce attorney who has at least half their workload in this area and one that is able to act as a mediator. They must be someone you can trust and work with comfortably; someone who has your confidence.

Attorneys that tend to follow the mediation route are good at giving settlement advice but you may need an attorney who is more familiar with courtroom settlements. To save time, always ensure you know exactly what you are going to say to your divorce lawyer and what questions you need answered.

Whether you intend to see them or speak on the phone, write everything down as this is the most efficient way to utilize your legal representative and keep a record of dates and times you spoke with them. Try to keep actual meetings to a minimum and where points have to be clarified, use the phone or send a letter.

Your divorce attorney is just a resource for legal matters so do not try to get them personally involved as that is not their function; if you need emotional support there are others who can help with this. Try not to involve you divorce lawyer with any tales of bickering that you and your ex-partner are involved in that are not directly pertinent to the divorce.

The most important aspect for you to get sorted out is the control of the situation which should be yours and then you will be able to use your lawyer more effectively. Your legal representative must be told up front that while his or her advice is essential, all decisions regarding the divorce will be made by you. Let them know that copies of any correspondence relating to the case will need to be sent to you along with any other information and if you contact them, to reply as quickly as possible.

There are instances when you may not actually need direct legal representation but may just wish to use the services of a lawyer for advice on legal aspects like a marital settlement. For someone taking this route, it is only important that you approach a lawyer to have certain aspects explained once you have carried out you own research. You may decide to have a divorce lawyer help with your marital settlement agreement, either to draft one or just to check over one you have made yourself then contact them if you get stuck or confused.

The author is an internet publisher, editor, and founder of Imago Relationship Therapy. Check us out at Lds Marriage Counseling.