First Wives World recently contacted me to discuss my thoughts on how women can better prepare themselves for divorce, including how to look for the right divorce attorney.

Here is an excerpt from that interview (or read the full interview here): 

Many people who are searching for a divorce attorney have never been involved in any kind of legal process or hired a lawyer. It can be intimidating, especially when you are sharing intimate details. How should someone find and choose a lawyer if they don’t have a personal recommendation from friends? Do you find that in general, women are more comfortable with female attorneys?

Morghan: Many times women are too embarrassed to ask friends or relatives for a referral. We are supposed to be the gate-keepers of relationships and, frankly, many women understandably assume a sense of failure and guilt that can make it that much harder to ask for help. Here are a few tips on finding a lawyer:

The Internet is a great place to start. Sources like Avvo.com, Yelp.com and First Wives World, are great because they help identify reputable attorneys. It can be really helpful to read reviews from past clients.

Find a lawyer that you are comfortable with – whether that lawyer is a man or a woman – because you are going to be disclosing your life to that person. Look for attorneys who also offer mediation or collaborative services because those lawyers tend to better understand and appreciate the art of effective fighting: when to fight hard and when to settle.

Call around to find out the general prices in your area. Then set up a few appointments. Ask which lawyer will handle your case. Is it the same attorney who will appear with you in court? Firms often swap out associates. That may be OK with you, but be sure to know up front.

Remember that many factors will come into play in your divorce that impact the result. Court is a gamble. The outcome of your case could be influenced by arbitrary things like if you happen to resemble the judge’s dead-beat cousin or his best friend. That is why it is important to avoid lawyers with inflated promises.

Some questions to ask:

1. Have you seen facts like mine before and how did you approach them?
2. What is the best and worst outcome I can expect?
3. The state law says XYZ about my facts, but how have the judges in my county/city been handling that issue?

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Interested in the rest? Read the full interview: Choosing the Right Lawyer: Interview with Divorce Attorney Morghan Leia Richardson #divorcelawyer