I was married 33 years ago and will be divorcing my husband.
I interview attorneys ( they give free initial reviews) How does one tell which one will do the best job.
Is the major assets of attorneys their knowledge of how a judge will decree?
If my husband and I could see the judgment for alimony then we could save thousands on legal fees. We could file an uncontested divorce.
My biggest question is how much alimony I am likely to receive. Their answers are any where from $800.00 to $2000.00 for a few years of life time. Some say that the fact that he is asking for the divorce will not matter and others say it will matter.
One said my assets of over $400,000.00 will stop a judge from giving me alimony despite my age of 59 and having never worked for any one but myself and the other attorney tells me that doesn't matter.
Who do I believe and how do I determine who should represent me?
I tell them the same details and I get a huge range of answers.

I am not one of the legal experts on this site, but I do know that the more you and your husband can agree, the easier and less costly a divorce will be.

The best way to find a lawyer is by a referral from someone you know and trust who has used that lawyer's services in the past. Also, check the Martindale-Hubbell directory of lawyers at your local public library.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I am not one of the legal experts on this site, but I do know that the more you and your husband can agree, the easier and less costly a divorce will be.

The best way to find a lawyer is by a referral from someone you know and trust who has used that lawyer's services in the past. Also, check the Martindale-Hubbell directory of lawyers at your local public library.

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Any attorney listed in Martindale-Hubbell has to pay a nice fee to appear in their directory and have to fill out reams of paperwork as well. This does not necessarily mean they are any good but they had the credentials to get into MH.

You can contact your local Bar Association and check with them as to who they would recommend as a divorce attorney. Some are better than others. If the President of the Bar Assn is a divorce attorney - go with him.

There is no way to tell if any attorney is better than another just by speaking to them as they are trained to persuade people in a jury and can easily say things to persuade you in his office.

Ask around and get some feedback from your gf's who have been divorced and see what their attorney did and didn't do for them and how happy they were with the out come. Divorce attorneys can be sharks and you definitely want a shark that is out for your best interest and does not roll over and just go with what the other attorney wants. The ultimate outcome before a judge is the crucial thing here. Some attorneys play golf with some judges for instance and are chummy with them but this should not affect the outcome in a divorce action.

I worked for divorce attorneys and unfortunately I didn't work for a shark but the one who got eaten for breakfast by the other guy (and yes, the client paid for this in the end).

A marriage of 33 years should net you more than the amounts you listed per year. In most states alimony is only for so many years and not a lifetime annuity anymore.

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Originally Posted by blueskys00

If my husband and I could see the judgment for alimony then we could save thousands on legal fees. We could file an uncontested divorce. My biggest question is how much alimony I am likely to receive.

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Hello b:

Maybe if you understood the purpose for alimony, you'd have a better understanding whether you qualify.. It's intended to grease the way for a spouse who has NO means of support, to develop one. It's temporary at best.

So, unless you are TOTALLY dependent on your husband, you aren't going to get alimony. THAT'S what it's based on - NOT who filed, and NOT who has assets. However, if your assets are sufficient enough to provide an income, then you're NOT totally dependent on your husband.

But, if you want to know what's "normal", go to the court archive and READ other divorce cases to your hearts content.

excon

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Originally Posted by twinkiedooter

Any attorney listed in Martindale-Hubbell has to pay a nice fee to appear in their directory and have to fill out reams of paperwork as well. This does not necessarily mean they are any good but they had the credentials to get into MH.

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As I said, check MH for names of lawyers in the area. I didn't say they were the best choices, but will still have to pass muster in other ways, i.e. interview during a free consultation, practice is known by a trusted friend, etc.