What are the traits of the ideal divorce lawyer?

Getting the right divorce lawyer is an important decision making process for obvious reasons. When it comes to issues relating to family law, such as divorce, it’s understandable that people needing legal advice would want someone with a specific skillset.

The skillset of a good divorce lawyer will be quite different from that one who deals with criminal law. While their talents and education may overlap in certain places, lawyers specialising in different areas of law need to distinguish themselves in the eyes of prospective clients.

Let’s take a look at some of the key traits that a good divorce lawyer should have.

Experienced in family law matters

A talented divorce lawyer will have had several years of experience in dealing with family law issues in a range of jurisdictions. While no two divorces are the same, the lawyer should have dealt with enough of them to identify common themes and build a work style that accommodates them.

Have a focus on mediation and non-confrontational approaches

Even the most acrimonious of divorces can be mediated by skilled lawyers working for their client’s best interests. It is often true that matters of property settlement and child custody can be mediated by lawyers who provide their clients with multiple options.

While court appearances may be unavoidable a good divorce lawyer will see this as a last resort and endeavour to help their client come to an amenable arrangement with their former spouse.

Be a patient listener

Nobody who gets married plans to get a divorce and thus divorce issues are often emotionally charged, requiring lawyers to be diligent listeners for their clients. A good divorce lawyer understands that this is a difficult time in their client’s life and their judgement may be clouded by strong emotions.

Understand human relationships

Whilst not required to be a psychologist, a good divorce lawyer will have developed a unique understanding of human emotional issues in the context of separation. They will be able to see past the emotional posturing of their client and help them find the solution best suited to them.

Offer sincere, realistic advice

No matter how good a lawyer is, it’s unlikely they can achieve everything a client demands in a divorce. Even if the client doesn’t realise it yet, their lawyer should help them understand what compromises will need to be made in order to settle their dispute with their ex-partner.

Christian Woods
Christian Woods
Christian is a morning reporter and technology columnist for Best in Australia. Christian has worked in the media since 2000, in a range of locations. He joined Best in Australia in 2018, and began working in Melbourne in 2019.
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