Navigating the process of divorce in Florida can be complicated, and it can be even more complex when one or both spouses are in the military.
The first step in finding the right lawyer for your military divorce is to ask for referrals and do your own research. If you are a military serviceperson, ask others that you serve with if they have any recommendations for an attorney. Friends and family may also know of a military serviceperson who has gone through a divorce and can recommend their lawyers, as well. You should also do your own research online to find attorneys that specialize in military divorce cases to create an initial list of possible lawyers for you.
Narrowing Your Options
The next step in the process to find the right military divorce lawyer is to narrow the list. Remove any divorce lawyer that does not specialize specifically in military divorce. Remove any lawyers that are not located near the court where your divorce is filed. Look online at third-party review sites and remove anyone that is poorly reviewed for their work. Once the list has been narrowed, it is time for the final step in the process.
Scheduling Interviews
The final step in the process is scheduling interviews with the top prospects from your list. These interviews can be done in person, over the phone, or virtually depending on your location. Even if you are deployed, it is important that you take the time to speak with attorneys before choosing one for your case. Prepare questions to ask each attorney so that you can compare their answers, and you should also be ready to answer questions that they may have for you about your case. Some helpful questions to ask military divorce lawyers include the following:
- How long have you practiced divorce law in Florida?
- How many military divorce cases have you handled?
- How long do you believe my case will take?
- What is your fee structure?
- How can I communicate with you during the case?
- What are the major issues you see with my case?
- Do you practice alternative dispute resolution like mediation or collaborative military divorce?
- Will you be handling my case, or will someone else at the firm?
Questions like these can help you determine which military divorce lawyer is right for you.