It can be expensive to change attorneys during a divorce, as the new attorney may spend hours reviewing all dockets and documents to be fully informed about the case.

You may avoid such unnecessary expenses by carefully choosing the right divorce attorney for your needs.

–Reputation: Some law firms are known for pushing litigation, while others are better known for negotiating favorable outcomes. At Spivak Law Firm, we are tough negotiators and skilled trial lawyers who take the time to understand your needs and create legal strategies to achieve your goals.

–Experience: You may consider researching how long an attorney has been in practice, as well as his or her level of experience with divorce matters. No attorney handles all practices areas, so make sure that your attorney has significant experience handling divorce cases. At Spivak Law Firm, we handle all divorce and family law matters.

–Hourly Rates: Choose a law firm with an hourly rate that fits your budget. A lower hourly rate will stretch your retainer and likely save you thousands of dollars over the course of your case. At Spivak Law Firm, we charge competitive rates commensurate with our experience.

To speak with an experienced divorce and family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

My spouse and I both want a divorce. We also need to file for bankruptcy due to our significant debts. What should we do first: file for divorce or file for bankruptcy?

The answer depends on the circumstances of your case, according to a recent article in Lawyers Journal written by Pittsburgh attorney Beth Slaby.

“If the spouses are on amicable terms, it may be best to file bankruptcy first,” she writes. “This allows both to share in the cost of attorneys’ fees and filing fees and could possibly protect them from paying joint debt.”

On the other hand, she writes: “The benefit of filing for divorce first may be that a married couple’s joint income is too high to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, but a person might be able to qualify individually after the divorce is final.”

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, alimony, division of assets and debts, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.