How to Pick the Right Lawyer (and Avoid the Wrong One)

Let me tell you a little story…

Years ago, I met a woman who hired the lawyer with the shiniest office and the most dramatic website headline. You know the type: “We’ll fight for you!” (Insert thunderclap here.) Sounds powerful, right?
Well, fast forward a few months, and she was exhausted, broke, and still no closer to resolution. Why? Because her lawyer loved the fight more than her future. Ouch.

That’s when I realised—choosing the right lawyer isn’t about who’s loudest, flashiest, or most expensive. It’s about who actually gets YOU.

Why the “biggest name” isn’t always the best

Some lawyers love to impress with billboards, glossy ads, or promises that sound too good to be true. And often? They are. Big talk doesn’t guarantee big results—it usually just guarantees a big invoice.

Instead, you want someone who:

• Knows family law inside out.

• Listens to what you want (not just what looks good in court).

• Makes things simpler, not scarier.

Red Flags to Watch For

Let’s make it easy—if your potential lawyer does any of these, wave goodbye (politely, of course):

• They talk over you or dismiss your concerns.

• They make promises about “winning” (family law isn’t about winners—it’s about solutions).

• They’re more focused on fighting than finding practical outcomes.

Trust me—if your gut is saying “hmm, not sure about this one”…listen to it.

What the right lawyer looks like

So how do you know when you’ve found “the one”?
The right lawyer will:

• Explain things in plain English (not legalese).

• Give you realistic options (even if they’re not always what you wanted to hear).

• Care about reducing your stress, not adding to it.

• Help you feel more in control of the process—not lost in the maze.

When you walk out of their office (or Zoom call), you should feel a little lighter, not like you’ve just been hit by a truckload of Latin terms.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right lawyer can make or break your separation experience. This isn’t about picking someone to fight for you—it’s about choosing someone to stand with you. Someone who gets that this isn’t just paperwork and court dates—it’s your life.

👉 Want to dive deeper into this topic? Listen to the full episode of The StacyM Show: “How to Pick the Right Lawyer (and Avoid the Wrong One)”.

And if you’re ready for real support (without the drama), you can always book a consult with me at www.stacymunzenberger.com .