Find the Best Divorce Lawyers in Boise, ID

How to choose a divorce attorney in Boise

Idaho has one of the top five divorce rates in the nation. According to the National Vital Statistics System, roughly four out of every 1,000 married couples in Boise divorced in 2017, compared to a national average of around three out of every 1,000.

Every divorce is different, and the circumstances of your divorce affects your choice of attorney. Some of the most common types of divorce in Boise are:

• Contested divorces are when spouses do not agree on terms and hire attorneys to argue the case in court, letting a judge rule on contested issues.
• Uncontested divorces require both spouses to agree to the terms of the divorce, which avoids litigation or mediation.
• Mediation uses a neutral third party to help the couple work through any contested issues and decide the terms of the divorce peacefully.
• Arbitration also uses a neutral third party, but an arbitrator makes rulings on any terms on which the couple cannot agree.
• Collaborative divorce is another method of avoiding litigation where both parties hire attorneys who specialize in collaborative divorces. The couple agrees to work together to settle the divorce terms.

The cost of divorce attorneys in Boise

Nationwide, the typical divorce attorney fee is around $250 per hour. In Boise, fees run anywhere from $200 to $400 per hour. Many attorneys ask for a retainer, which is an upfront sum of cash from which the attorney draws fees. The average cost for a divorce in the U.S. is around $15,000.

Many divorce lawyers offer free consultations. Use this opportunity to see if you’re comfortable with the attorney, ask how they will handle your divorce proceedings and discuss payment.

Choosing a divorce attorney in Boise

Every divorce lawyer has a philosophy on handling divorce, which makes some attorneys better equipped for specific types of cases. If your divorce is uncontested, you won’t need to hire an attorney known for litigation. When choosing a divorce attorney, you should:

• Discuss the divorce process: If you and your spouse have already agreed to mediation or arbitration, hire an attorney familiar with the process. If your divorce is contentious and likely to go to court, be sure to hire an attorney comfortable with litigation.
• Special circumstances: Ask how your attorney will handle any special circumstances in your case. If you have children, you’ll need an attorney familiar with custody agreements. If the divorce involves splitting up a large number of assets, you may need to hire a large firm that has financial specialists on staff.
• Ask around: Word-of-mouth from others who have completed a divorce is likely one of the best ways to get in contact with a good divorce lawyer. You can also ask other professionals you work with, including accountants, therapists or attorneys who practice in other areas.
• Meet for consultations: Meet with several different attorneys before deciding which is best for your situation. Different lawyers offer different perspectives, and being exposed to different routes can contribute to a successful divorce.

While any attorney you hire should be affordable, the potential consequences of divorce mean hiring the cheapest attorney is not always the best idea. Choose an attorney you’ll feel comfortable working with throughout the divorce.