Watch out for divorce attorneys that promise you they can get you everything that you want in through the mediation or divorce court proceeding. While there are precedents set in law, there are always new rulings and no attorney can guarantee how a judge or jury may find should the divorce go to a trial.

Research at your local library or on the internet for basic divorce information before you talk to an attorney. This will help you know what information to provide to the lawyer as well as what questions you may want to ask.

Although in some areas one attorney may work both parties in the divorce, remember the client is the party that is actually paying the attorney. If you are not represented but your spouse is, you should at least pay for a consultation with another attorney before agreeing to any final divorce settlement.