Before you even talk with an attorney about an impending divorce, you should have a good understanding of the options that are available to you. Any lawyer you talk with before you’re really prepared is going to steer you toward what they are good at, and not necessarily what is best for your type of divorce. It is often the case that no matter how much you like him or her, the first attorney you talk with just isn’t right for your particular kind of case, and you may not get the results to which you are entitled.
Your Options in a Divorce Case
There are basically four different types of divorce cases, so the attorney you choose should have considerable experience with the particular type of divorce that pertains to your situation.
- Uncontested – in this scenario, there are no major disagreements between you and your spouse over custody, possessions, etc. It may be possible for you to undertake this kind of divorce without the intervention of legal professionals since all the necessary documents can be obtained and filled out on your own. It is always recommended, however, that at least one person have counsel so that critical mistakes can be avoided.
- Mediated – a couple hires an attorney who has significant mediation skills, and that person serves as a neutral third party who guides them both through the process of settling any issues that require resolution. This allows the divorce to be handled outside of court, with the mediator handling all paperwork as well as any necessary negotiation.
- Collaborative – both parties retain legal counsel in this situation, and all issues that arise are managed within the framework of meetings that take place outside the courtroom.
- Litigated (Contested) – this does take place in the courtroom, and may or may not end in a trial. The ideal lawyer for this situation is someone who is articulate in presenting your case, is a strong advocate for you personally, and works hard to achieve favorable results for you.
Choosing an Albuquerque Divorce Firm
The right divorce firm in Albuquerque for you to select is one that has significant experience in the type of divorce you may be going through. New Mexico Legal Group is a firm with years of experience in each of these areas. Contact us about your case, and have confidence that your best interests will be represented.