Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
Hiring the right divorce lawyer can mean the difference between feeling like you have dedicated, knowledgeable support to guide you and feeling ignored, confused, or worse, all while navigating a complicated legal system. To evaluate your options, you may wonder what questions to ask a divorce attorney before hiring one. Preparing your own list of questions to ask a divorce lawyer before you meet helps you make the most of your limited time together. Posing those questions at your initial consultation can help you decide whether you feel comfortable with that lawyer guiding you through the legal, financial, and emotional challenges of divorce.
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we understand that selecting a divorce attorney is a deeply personal decision. Our firm focuses solely on family law, offering compassionate and strategic legal services in Houston and the surrounding areas. We create step-by-step legal strategies, evaluate and explain your options, and maintain privacy and dignity from start to finish.
What Questions Do I Need to Ask My Divorce Attorney?
Understanding what to ask a divorce lawyer before hiring them can give you a leg up in your search process. As you consider whether an attorney might be a good fit for you, we recommend inquiring about the following.
1. What Is Your Experience with Family Law?
During your consultation, you want to confirm the lawyer has experience with family law cases and is familiar with the challenges and legal issues involved in divorce. Generally, the more focused a firm is, the more its attorneys will know the ins and outs of the law and process like the back of their hands. Ask questions like:
- How long have you been practicing in this area?
- What percentage of your caseload involves divorce and family law?
- Are you board-certified in family law?
At Ramos Law Group, our entire focus is on family law. Mary E. Ramos is board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction earned by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys demonstrating extensive skill and knowledge. We also dedicate ourselves to staying on top of changes to the law and providing continued legal education to our community.
2. How Do You Work with Clients?
Effective communication is essential during any court case, especially in cases as personal as divorce. You want to know who you will hear from, how often, and how updates will be shared.
Ask:
- Who will work on my case?
- Will I communicate directly with you or with other members of your team?
- How quickly do you respond to emails or phone calls?
- How do you typically provide case updates?
At Ramos Law Group, we are committed to keeping clients informed and ensuring prompt, respectful, and helpful communication.
3. What Is Your Approach to Case Resolution?
Although you cannot always avoid court, trials come with significant increases in costs and stresses, especially when you need to take the witness stand to testify. Understanding a lawyer’s attitude toward collaboration and conflict in cases can help you gauge their commitment to offering the best strategy for you, not their pockets or ego.
Ask:
- Do you prefer to settle disputes through mediation or proceed to court litigation? Why?
- How do you typically handle conflicts with the opposing party or their attorney?
- Can you describe your approach to high-conflict divorce cases?
- What de-escalation strategies do you use?
- How do you handle situations where the other party is uncooperative or aggressive?
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we prioritize resolving conflicts respectfully and strategically. We encourage open communication, negotiation, and mediation, minimizing the need for court intervention and reducing costs. When litigation becomes necessary, we are assertive but not combative to avoid unnecessary escalation.
4. How Do You Charge for Your Services?
Understanding how fees work can help you plan financially and avoid unexpected costs.
Ask:
- Do you charge flat fees or an hourly rate? What do you charge?
- What does my retainer include?
- Are unused portions of my retainer refundable?
- Do you charge additional fees for specific services, like court appearances?
- How do you provide bills to your clients?
- What are the hourly rates for both attorneys and legal staff?
Ramos Law Group provides transparent billing practices and explains all costs clearly at the start of representation.
5. What Should I Expect During the Divorce Process?
Divorce can be unpredictable, but knowing the typical timeline and what to expect at each stage can reduce anxiety and help you prepare. Asking a lawyer to explain the process can give you insight into their knowledge level while setting your expectations.
Ask:
- What are the steps in the divorce process?
- How long does a typical divorce take in Texas?
- What can I do to help my case move more efficiently?
- What costs are involved with divorce?
- What are my legal options, and which one do you recommend?
- How would you handle a case like mine?
- What possible challenges can you foresee in my case?
At Ramos Law Group, we guide our clients through each step with clarity and compassion. We work to ensure you feel informed and supported from beginning to end.
Ask Your Questions to Ramos Law Group
Bringing a list of questions to ask a divorce attorney before hiring and asking them when you meet with a divorce lawyer can help you decide whether they are the right fit for you and your case. Choosing a lawyer who focuses exclusively on family law, communicates clearly, and offers a strategy aligned with your goals can lead to a more manageable and successful outcome. At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we offer thoughtful legal strategies and empathetic support. Schedule a consultation today.
Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos
By submitting this form, I understand and agree that an attorney-client relationship with Ramos Law Group is ONLY established upon entering into a written fee agreement. I acknowledge that this submission is not a request for legal advice, and any information received in response will not constitute legal advice.
I also consent to receiving text messages from Ramos Law Group. I can text ‘STOP’ to opt out of text messages at any time. Please visit our SMS Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more details.