Going through a divorce can be hard for you and your household. Luckily, with solid legal representation and a clear head, you and your spouse can work something out, especially if kids are involved. As you do consultations with various legal professionals, you want to be prepared with the right questions. Here are questions to ask before hiring a divorce and family law attorney.

1. How Many Cases Have You Handled with a Good Outcome?

According to IBISWorld, almost 75,000 divorce and family law attorneys practice in the United States. When you pick from that number, you want to find one with a pretty decent success rate. After all, you don't want to go into your divorce proceedings, whether it's mediation or trial, and be with an inexperienced lawyer who has a poor track record.

2. Can You Do Mediation?

Going through a divorce doesn't mean going to a court trial is always necessary. As long as you and your spouse are on decent terms and can be in the same room, mediation can be an answer. Mediation is a private proceeding in which you, your spouse, and your legal representatives sit down and negotiate the ideal terms that are as fair to both parties as possible. During mediation, you can handle finances, child custody exchanges, property decisions, and so on.

3. How Long Will This Take?

Going through a divorce can be time-consuming for many couples. However, the length of the legal proceeding can vary depending on the state you're in. In our professional experience, you may be able to be divorced in a few months, or in some cases, you may have to wait a few years. It's a good idea to know exactly when you and your spouse can be legally divorced and if there's any necessary prep you can do to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

These are just three good questions you may ask your local divorce and family law attorney. Of course, there are many other questions you'll likely think of, but this is a great way to start. After all, knowing how long the process may take, whether mediation is possible, and the level of success your potential lawyer has had can give you a peace of mind. For a divorce and family law attorney who has over 20 years of experience, contact the Law Office of Dana M. Outlaw for a consultation.