TIP #1: In a divorce, you and your spouse should seek immediate and separate legal representation, even if it appears that you are in agreement. If you are persuaded to be without counsel, actions may be taken against you that will be difficult to reverse. The cost of reviewing a settlement is minor compared to what you may lose.

TIP #2: Hiring a large law firm doesn't necessarily mean you are getting a better lawyer. You may pay more just to have your case handed-off to a junior-level attorney. Ask lawyers if they will personally handle your case.

TIP #3: Lawyers charge by the hour, so you want an attorney who can move your case forward quickly. Look for someone who knows the law, judges and other lawyers. The legal field is paper-heavy, and lawyers can be ponderous. Ask a lot of questions, and listen for concise responses.

TIP #4: Experience counts. If custody, complex property division, substantial savings or retirement accounts are in question, you simply cannot afford an inexperienced attorney.

• How many years has the attorney been practicing the type of legal assistance you are seeking?



• Does the attorney have courtroom experience in the county in which you live? This is critical. If an attorney isn't qualified to take a case to court, she/he lacks negotiating power.



• What information can the attorney give you about the judges in your county? This will give you insight into how well the attorney knows the ultimate decision-makers.



• How well does the attorney know custody evaluators, therapists, and other professionals who may be involved in your case? Call us at 686-2425 for a free referral to other professionals including therapists, CPAs, real estate agents.

TIP #5: Ask how the attorney bills for her/his time. Ask what your payment options are. Understand that the client/attorney relationship can be undermined if you do not pay your account according to the agreements made.

Our Fee Policy: We understand that clients may not have immediate access to their resources. If you choose to hire our firm, you will sign a written fee agreement and be asked to deposit an amount of money into a trust account in your name. As the case progresses and trust funds are expended, you will be asked to replenish the account. Each month you will receive an itemized list of work performed on your behalf. You will be expected to keep your account current unless other arrangements have been agreed upon. It is not uncommon in divorce cases for liens to be attached to property, payments secured through family members, or payments delayed until assets are liquidated. Each party is generally responsible for their own legal bills.

TIP #6: Check with the Oregon State Bar Association to determine if a lawyer has ever been reprimanded or disciplined.

TIP #7: Ask for the names of two other lawyers for you to consider. You will quickly realize if your specific needs are being recognized, and whether or not the attorney knows his/her peers.

TIP #8: Hire the attorney who can negotiate for you from a position of fairness and firmness. Avoid aggressive and abrasive people----they generally don't get very far with judges and custody evaluators.

TIP #9: Hire the attorney who seems to best understand, and be motivated, by your case. Do not hire an attorney believing that your outcome will be the same as another person she or he has represented. Each case is different.

TIP #10: Remember that you do the hiring. If you are not satisfied, seek another opinion. You and your attorney are a team, so chose your teammate wisely.