Trusted Content
Legally Reviewed by:
When a couple understands that divorce is necessary, the next step is to hire an experienced attorney who can spearhead the process and help the couple with the distribution of asses. In Orange County, California, certain qualities make a divorce lawyer more qualified than others. With nearly 33 couples filing for divorce in Orange County each day, finding a qualified lawyer quickly is important.
For couples who have high assets, the divorce process can be more complicated. There may be businesses, trusts, family properties and investments, and future earnings that must be considered. These assets add a layer of difficulty that requires an attorney experienced in handling divorce cases of this magnitude.
It’s important to consider your options so that you hire the attorney that is best for you. While you interview potential candidates, there are some essential questions to ask about their practice, fee schedules, and expertise.
Your Lawyer Should Be Clear About Fees
Few attorneys can tell you exactly how much your divorce will cost, especially if there are numerous, large-scale assets to divide, parenting agreements to draft, and/or family-owned businesses that must be addressed. However, your attorney should be very clear about their fees, including:
- The hourly rate for partners or shareholders, associates, and paralegals who may work on your case.
- When costs will be due and payable. Some attorneys may require a portion of their fees up-front in the form of a retainer, while others may require both a retainer and payment of a monthly statement.
- Ask your attorney for a ballpark estimate for expert fees. Financial professionals and other attorneys may be needed for your divorce, and they will each have separate fees for which you will be responsible.
A qualified attorney who is experienced in handling high-asset divorce cases will naturally charge fees that are commensurate with the level of care and knowledge they possess.
Your Lawyer Should Prioritize Your Custody and Parenting Plans
No parent wants their children to become victims of their divorce. Children who are involved in a custodial battle can harbor resentments and lasting wounds. Hiring an experienced, compassionate attorney who prioritizes your children’s needs is essential to minimizing the impact your divorce will have on them.
Listening to your situation with empathy and facilitating agreements that are workable, beneficial, and fair is an essential part of your attorney’s job. While your attorney works hard to reasonably accommodate the needs of all parties in a divorce, the primary goal should be a parenting and custody plan (if needed) that ensures your child(ren) are kept in the highest priority.
Your Lawyer Should Be Calm Under Pressure
High net worth divorce cases can often be volatile. Negotiations may be strained, and your spouse’s attorney may be difficult to work with. An attorney must retain composure at all levels of negotiations, including when you need to change your direction or when you decide that a previously agreed-upon stipulation no longer works for you.
Hiring an attorney who is aggressive yet professional is key to protecting your interests and ensuring that your needs are heard and met during your divorce. Your attorney should be able to navigate complex issues between you and your spouse, and your spouse’s attorney and outside experts with professionalism and care. Reading client testimonials can be incredibly helpful in understanding your attorney’s personality and reputation.
Your Lawyer Should Have a Good Team Behind Them
No matter the size of your attorney’s practice, they must have a solid team of staff members and experts to help you with your case. During a high-asset divorce, your attorney will need to work with accountants, investigators, appraisers, and even other attorneys who handle other areas of law (like real estate or corporate law).
An experienced divorce attorney will have a competent staff in-office, and have relationships with other professionals that they trust. Ask a potential attorney if they have these resources.
You’ll also want to hire an attorney who is experienced with filing divorce cases in Orange County, California. Familiarity with the local court system, judges, and their staff can help ensure smooth transactions and minimal processing time.
Hire a Skilled High-Asset Divorce Lawyer for Your Case Today
Hiring a high-asset divorce lawyer in Orange County, CA is a serious decision that should not be made based solely on a firm’s ability to advertise. Ask friends and loved ones for recommendations, read client testimonials, and schedule a consultation before deciding on a firm to handle your divorce.
At Pinkham & Associates, APLC, we have decades of experience representing couples through their high-net value divorces. Our team of compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable attorneys offers the smoothest and most stress-free experience possible so that both you and your spouse can move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
