Christian Divorce Attorneys

It would make sense if you are a Christian yourself to choose someone of the same religious faith. A Christian divorce attorney will be able to appreciate the fact that you may be facing the end of your marriage, but you are also called to conduct yourself in a certain manner. One would assume that a lawyer who is also a practicing Christian will be fair in his or her dealings with you, your spouse and his or her attorney, and Court officials.

The Role of the Attorney

Many people assume that the attorney is in the driver's seat when it comes to legal matters. This is not strictly true. The attorney can and does offer legal advice, but he or she takes instructions from the client. As the client, you direct your attorney how you want the matter handled. You are the one paying for it, after all.

How to Find Christian Divorce Attorneys

The process of finding a Christian attorney is similar to choosing any other legal professional.

Ask for a Recommendation

If you know someone who has been divorced, you could ask them for a referral to an attorney (assuming they were happy with the service they received). Good sources of referrals are:

• Family members
• Friends
• Co-workers

If you attend church services, you could ask your minister if he or she knows someone in the congregation who is an attorney. Other options for referrals are your State Bar Association or a Christian law society. (To find a Christian law society, check with the university serving your community.)

Interview the Attorney

When you think about it, your attorney will be providing you with legal assistance during what could very well be the most stressful time of your life. As part of the process, you will be called upon to share some very private information with the person you choose to represent you. It's important to be sure that you choose someone you can relate to well and someone you can trust.

At the initial meeting, ask the attorney some questions about his or her background and general approach to divorce matters. From the attorney's answers, you will get an idea of whether this is someone you can work with and put your confidence in.

Consider the Attorney's Values

Take the time to be sure that the person you have chosen as your legal representative will conduct themselves in a manner that fits in with your own values. Non-Christian divorce attorneys can and do operate in an ethical manner. Perhaps the most important thing is to find someone who understands your priorities and concerns, no matter what their religious faith may be. You may feel more comfortable dealing with a person who shares your religious faith, but this is not the only choice available to you.

Work Out a Strategy

Once you have chosen an attorney to work with, you will need to work out a strategy for your case. The attorney will be much better able to help you if you have a clear idea about what you want to achieve. For example:

• What issues are nonnegotiable?
• Which ones can you be flexible about?
• Would you consider mediation?

By being clear about your objectives, you may spend less on legal fees. If you take into account that every time you communicate with your lawyer, there is a fee involved, you will appreciate the value of keeping your communications as efficient as possible. Do your homework before you set foot in the lawyer's office; both your lawyer and your checkbook will thank you.