Since you haven't filed yet I would consider going to talk to the best divorce mediator in your area. Bring all of your financial information to the table. I found a therapist that was also the president of the mediators association in my area. I asked for what she recommended was fair to me. The ex fought me for a year and a half and ended up giving me what she said. A fortune had been spent on legal fees for both of us. If you can avoid lawyers, consider this option.

MsViv - no offense taken - there are days I don't like attorneys! There are rotten apples in every profession.

At the beginning of this thread I suggested some organizations who do screening, including peer review. Does this guarantee a great attorney for you? No, it just significantly improves the odds.

I've had people who have gone to court to watch me in action and that's ok with me (a little creepy because I didn't know them but ok). That's another way to check on attorneys - go to the family law courthouse and just watch (almost all proceedings are open to the public).

Check with the bailiff on his/her opinion - they have seen it all and usually have heard the judge express an opinion. They may or may not be willing to talk to you but it's worth a try. So are advocacy groups like Red mentioned.

Lynne

Ohhh...I also read about talking to the bailiff at public court proceedings. Lynn..though I am no longer in need of this info, thank you for putting it out there for those in need.