Before hiring a divorce law attorney, check them out through Martindale-Hubbell or a similar rating service. Martindale-Hubbell rates attorneys by ethical standards and general ability all over the U.S. and abroad. The best rating for any attorney is AV.

Divorce law is both complex and variable according to which state you live in, so be sure to contact an attorney in your area who has plenty of experience. You should consult with several before you narrow your choice down; you can usually get free consultations with most lawyers.

Be very prepared before you go to a divorce law professional. Among other things, you'll need financial and tax records and a list of all your assets, especially if the divorce is being contested by either you or your spouse. Give them all the information they need to do their job, since by law it's confidential.