This is one of the most stressful times of your life. Very important issues will be considered and resolved. The rest of your life will be affected by the results of your divorce or family action... either positively or negatively. If you have children, their lives will also be greatly affected.

How do you select a lawyer to represent and protect your rights? Here are a few points to consider when making this important decision:

• Your first consideration is to choose an attorney who concentrates in Family Law. Your attorney should devote a majority of his or her practice in this area. Check the attorney's website to see whether it indicates the attorney devotes his or her practice to the area of your immediate need. We practice 100% in family law.
• Rely on your instinct or "feelings" about the attorney. If you have any doubt about having a good working relationship, or if you sense a lack of rapport, choose another attorney.
• Interview at least three attorneys. You will be able to compare differing views, gain insight regarding how family cases are handled, determine whether the attorney responds to you promptly and answers your questions, etc. At the initial interview, does the attorney cut you off quickly, offering only a few minutes of time? This person may also be difficult to work with after the matter gets going. We offer a free attorney interview / initial consultation.
• All unresolved New Jersey divorce cases appear before the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel ("E.S.P"), which mediates divorce settlements. Panelists are volunteer attorneys, chosen because they handle large numbers of divorce cases. Select an attorney who is an E.S.P. panelist. We are an E.S.P. panelist in two counties.
• Do not "price shop". Do not select an attorney based upon the lowest fee. You get what you pay for in life, whether selecting lawn furniture or an attorney!
• Check out the reputation of the attorney. Go to your local library or County Law Library and look up all prospective attorneys in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. This unbiased source rates attorneys in the United States, based solely on confidential ratings from other attorneys. Also, some attorneys list the fields of law in which they concentrate - a very good cross-check. We are rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating, awarded only to 7 - 8% of all attorneys. Your attorney should have an "AV", or at least a "BV" rating.