Realizing that your marriage is no longer working out is tough, but it’s even more difficult to face the legal ins and outs associated with divorce. 

Finding the right divorce lawyer may be the most important decision you’ll make during your divorce proceedings. The right lawyer can make this tedious process faster, easier, more affordable, and less emotionally draining for both parties. 

How will you know if you’re investing all of your hopes and money in the right divorce lawyer? If you’re faced with divorce, here are 10 things you should consider. 

1. Stay objective, realistic, and focused on the goal

Remember that your divorce is a legal process whose main purpose is to dissolve your assets and resolve custody issues. That being the case, your divorce lawyer’s job is to represent you to the best of their ability in their process, not to act as your therapist or coach. 

Since working with lawyers isn’t cheap and the clock is always running, don’t misuse your money by releasing all of your frustrations, pain, and sadness for the sole purpose of venting out. Be realistic about their role and what you can expect from them. 

2. Don’t let your emotions rule over you

The goal is to get divorced in the quickest and most cost-efficient way possible. And you don’t want to prolong the process by letting your emotions jump in when it comes to negotiating over material things that don’t mean so much to you in the big picture. 

3. Seek references from family and friends

Do you know someone who’s had a divorce? Perhaps it’s a friend, a close colleague, or a relative. The first step is to ask them for advice on how they handled their divorce, and if they have any recommended lawyers in mind. 

4. Ask the right questions

Interview two or three lawyers. Start with an initial phone call and ask the right questions: 

• Their experience and specialization within the family law
• The type of client they usually represent
• Their rates and billing terms (most divorce lawyers charge an hourly fee and require a fee charged in advance) 
• How long the process will take and how expensive will it be

Most lawyers and law firms, like one of the leading law firms in Parramatta, provide a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and what their legal approach will be. Take advantage of this and get as much advice as possible. 

5. Check their resources

The divorce process can include parenting/custody coordinators, financial experts, coach facilitators, and even forensic appraisers. Depending on their relevance on your case, find out your prospective lawyer’s access to these resources, since it will affect the overall cost. 

6. Dig deeper into their track records

When choosing a divorce attorney, look for one who has handled many divorce cases similar to yours. You might also want to look into the attorney’s trial record and history of success in court, even if you have no intention of heading to trial. Their track record is a solid indicator of their skills in negotiations. 

7. Transparency is essential

Unfortunately, a lot of lawyers will tell you what you want to hear just to close the deal. Business is still business for them. So if an attorney is making promises, it’s one of the telltale signs they can’t be trusted, since there won’t be any guarantees in this process. 

The right divorce lawyer is an honest one. They are transparent when it comes to how much your divorce process will likely cost, or if there are holes or any problems with your case, or whether or not you have a better advantage. 

8. Look for red flags

Does your prospective divorce lawyer keep on talking about high-profile clients and disclosing their confidential information? Do they talk trash about other divorce attorneys you’re interviewing? Do they keep getting distracted by phone calls during your meetings, disrespecting your time and wasting your money? These are surefire signs they can’t be trusted. 

9. Don’t hire someone who’s on your spouse’s side

If possible, don’t share a divorce lawyer with your spouse, or hire your spouse’s bestfriend, relative, or business partner. It doesn’t matter if you’re in good terms with them, or if they’re giving you a special discount – hiring them may involve an obvious conflict of interest and may even fuel a family feud. 

10. Work with a divorce attorney you’re compatible with

While your divorce lawyer isn’t a marriage counselor, they need to be aware of some relevant details about your personal life in order to do a good job for you. With this, you should work with someone you’re comfortable sharing deeply personal information with. 

The right divorce attorney is professional and knowledgeable, with good communication skills. This lawyer acknowledges the importance of your children’s welfare and puts them first in the legal process. This attorney is someone you can be comfortable with and provides a solution that works for you. 

Don’t rush yourself when choosing the right divorce attorney that has your best interest at heart.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for McAuley Hawach Lawyers Parramatta, one of the leading law firms in Western Sydney and Parramatta. When she’s not writing practical pieces of advice about family law, commercial law, and more, you can find her playing the piano while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. 

The post Family Law Tips: 10 Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing The Right Divorce Lawyer appeared first on Today News Spot.

Visiting Bruges Belgium with your spouse? You don’t have to look hard enough for romantic things to do or romantic places to go to – romance will eventually find you in this picturesque UNESCO-listed old town.

Bruges is one of the most romantic spots in the world, along with Paris, Venice, and Santorini, and it’s not hard to see why. Also dubbed as “The Venice of The North” is crisscrossed by lovely canals and bridges. It boasts its plethora of charming guild houses, century-old cathedrals and buildings, quirky cafes and chocolate shops, horse-drawn carriages, and swan-filled riverbanks – all of which are perfect for your romantic getaway. 

Here are some of the best things to do with your partner in Bruges Belgium. 

1. Take a scenic boat trip along the lovely canals 

A romantic getaway in Bruges is never complete without taking a cruise along the beautiful canals. A canal boat tour lets you marvel at the beauty of the city from a different angle. The sight of the charming guild houses, medieval buildings, and floating swans (don’t forget the swans!) looks taken straight from a fairytale book. 

2. See the heart of the city on a horse

Take yourselves back to a different era with a romantic tour on a horse-drawn carriage. You’ll find them gathered around the Grote Markt and Begijnhof. Don’t forget to tip your four-legged tour guide – a piece of carrot should suffice. 

3. Kiss your partner in the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and Lovers Bridge

Picture this: a tranquil lake inhabited by a thousand swans, a pedestrians’ bridge with an old-world charm, the soft sound of horse-drawn carriages, birds chirping, and church bells ringing. Don’t you just want to escape to this picturesque place with your partner and stroll hand in hand? You can even feed the swans. 

But wait, there’s more! Rumor has it that if you cross the bridge with your lover and kiss, your relationship will last forever. Why don’t you try it and see if the folklore holds true? 

4. Sink your teeth into delicious Belgian Chocolates 

What’s more romantic than receiving a lovely box of assorted Belgian chocolates? Sharing these confectioneries with your spouse – in Bruges Belgium! Get as much Belgian chocolate as you want, for the city never runs out of amazing chocolatiers. 

Aside from feasting on a box of chocolates, you can also sip a warm cup of Belgian-style hot chocolate or go on beer and chocolate tours.

5. Visit the Markt Square

Markt Square is the central town square in Belgium. It is home to the Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) and several ancient guild houses, converted into quirky IG-worthy cafes, restaurants, and shops. 

And when you visit during the winter, you can hold hands on the ice skating rink in the Markt Square. Now that’s one romantic way to beat the cold. 

6. Climb the Belfry of Bruges 

Don’t just stand there and adore the charming medieval bell tower – step inside and climb it! The heart-pounding 366 steps will all be once you reach the top of the tower and feast your eyes on the panoramic view of the city. 

7. Take couple selfies in these romantic spots 

Taking photos is one of the best free things to do in Bruges.

All of Bruges is picturesque and romantic enough for your couple selfie. But if you want something out of the ordinary, here are some of the spots to include in your dream itinerary: 

• Tranquil Quays: Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), Groenerei, Gouden-Handrei, and Sint-Annarei
• For picnics and relaxation: Hof De Jonghe, Minnewater park
• IG-worthy spots: Markt Square buildings, Walplein Square, Burg Square, Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, Stoofstraat (or ‘Stove Street’), 18th-century windmills Koeleweimill and Sint-Janshuysmill, 
• Bridges: Bonifacius bridge, Kings bridge (Koningsbrug), and Meestraat bridge

8. Explore Bruges at night

If you think Bruges is picturesque by daytime, wait until the sun goes down. After dark, when the warm street lamps are on and the tourists on cobblestone streets are fewer, you’ll be in awe by the magic and fairytale vibe of the city. The canal waters are calmer, giving off a dreamy reflection of the buildings. Walk around and go sightseeing to your heart’s content before heading back taking the romance to your hotel in Bruges.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a daytime writer for Green Park Hotel Brugge, a three-star hotel offering the perfect countryside accommodation experience while exploring the best-preserved medieval city of Belgium. Since this free-spirited damsel loves to go on adventures, she’s got a lot to say about travel, dining, cultural enjoyment, and lifestyle. 

The post 8 Romantic Things To Do in Bruges Belgium With The Love Of Your Life appeared first on Today News Spot.