The Traits of the Best Divorce Lawyers

by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III

During the run up to a divorce action, those involved are understandably under significant stress making it hard to find the best divorce lawyer to represent their position. The process of identifying the lawyer who suits you best is difficult at best and even harder when you are not certain what you are looking for.

Here are the four most important traits that the best divorce lawyers have:

• Integrity: All lawyers, including divorce lawyers, must be very honest with their clients. They should give an accurate, unemotional assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your divorce case. The last thing you need during this trying time is a cheerleader. You do not want to hire a divorce lawyer who tells you everything is fine and you have no worries. If you hear these types of comments, keep looking.
• Communication skills: You are facing an issue that probably you have not faced before – not so, however, for your lawyer. You want a lawyer who can explain what is happening in layman’s terms and, more importantly, one who is available to talk to you during the process. You and your lawyer should be in close contact: unexpected things happen during the process and you need to know the best way to react.
• Patience: Going through a divorce is difficult and you have every right to be emotional. It is okay for you to be emotional, but your lawyer must always remain calm and pleasant. If the lawyer with whom you are talking to tends to lose patience or speaks harshly to you or office staff, don’t hire him/her. The best divorce lawyer will help you manage your emotions; you certainly don’t want to be around someone that will only make the emotional roller-coaster worse.
• Empathy: The best divorce lawyers have the gift and discipline of empathy, which enables them to practice empathetic listening with their clients. Empathetic listening is key to their helping you successfully navigate the divorce process – how can they assist if they do not listen to you to understand your situation and needs? When interviewing divorce lawyers, pay attention to how well they listen and how they mirror what you say in how they reply to you.

As well as having integrity, being a good communicator, being patient, and practicing empathetic listening, the best divorce lawyer will be objective, skilled in a courtroom environment, and ensure that all documents required are complete and filed with the court in a timely manner.

Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III is a Houston-based Board Certified Family Law Attorney and creator of The Guide to Good Divorce℠ seminars for women. If you have questions about your Texas divorce, please contact The Law Office of Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III, P.C. for a consultation. If you would like more information about Trey Yates’ 2021 The Guide to Good Divorce℠ seminars, please visit www.GuideToGoodDivorce.com or call 713.742.6606.