When you’re going through a divorce, one of the people who is usually in your corner is your divorce attorney. Before you hire an attorney, there are a few questions to keep in mind so that you have the best representation possible when you go to court and when you file the paperwork for your divorce.

Find about the areas of law that are practiced by the attorney. A Tampa divorce lawyer should specialize in family law, especially when it’s pertaining to divorce or separation agreements. The attorney should be knowledgeable about how to seek alimony, child support, visitation, and other important aspects of the divorce so that you can focus on the healing process that is associated with the separation.

Ask the lawyer about the geographical areas that are covered. You might want to move in the future, but if your attorney doesn’t practice in the area you move to, then it can be difficult to uphold the agreement without representation. An attorney who practices in areas close to where you live will also know the judges and can sometimes offer advice about what to expect from them when you go to court if you don’t settle outside of court.

Talk to the attorney about ways that the office can handle the divorce case. Find someone who will listen to your desires and who is willing to walk you through the steps of divorce. You should also find someone who is willing to fight for what you deserve from the dissolved marriage. Talk about the retainer that is required as well as the hourly rates that the attorney charges. Find out whether the attorney will include child custody and any support in the divorce proceedings or if that will be handled differently. These are only a few questions to ask an attorney so that you get the best results possible.