Pro Bono Divorce Lawyers

Divorce in itself is a messy affair. One definitely wants to get it right, as far as the legal aspect of it is concerned. However, paying for a divorce lawyer is not possible for everyone. Here is where pro bono lawyers come into play. A pro bono divorce lawyer is one who fights a divorce case free of cost. Such a lawyer may not specialize in divorce cases. However, he may provide legal services in divorce at no cost to individuals or charitable organizations.

Why Work Pro Bono?
Under the ethical rules of the American Bar Association, every lawyer is recommended to set aside 50 hours of pro bono service every year. Some individual State Bar associations may require its lawyers to put in lesser hours of pro bono service. Besides fulfilling the ethical obligation, pro bono cases enable lawyers to gain experience in fields other than that in which they specialize. For example, a criminal law attorney can act as a pro bono divorce lawyer to add to his portfolio. However, the urge to act as a pro bono lawyer can also be absolutely out of unselfish interests. Even highly experienced lawyers take up cases for free in the same area that they specialize, in case they feel that the case is challenging and interesting. Or sometimes, it could be strictly for altruistic inclination of helping the financially disabled individuals or those who have been laid off or are unable to meet customary legal fees. Some lawyers take up pro bono cases, if they feel that taking up the cases would be in greater good of the community.

Does this mean that anyone and everyone can avail the services of a pro bono divorce lawyer? The answer to this question is a big NO. One needs to DESERVE pro bono service. One requires to qualify on the basis of his financial status or some other disability, to be able to avail pro bono legal service. These criteria again depend upon those stipulated by the laws of one's residing state. The other common criteria, that can entitle one for pro bono services is, abuse in marriage. Be it physical, verbal, sexual or even if it concerns one's children, abuse of any form can help one qualify for having a pro bono divorce lawyer fighting the case. However, one needs to provide proof of such abuse.

How to Find a Pro Bono Divorce Lawyer?
Finding pro bono divorce lawyers can be a difficult task, as most of the lawyers fighting pro bono cases do not advertise themselves. One way to find a pro bono lawyer is to call the general practice attorneys in one's county and check if they are taking up pro bono cases. One can also contact the State Bar Association to find if there are pro bono divorce lawyers to take up his case. Certain firms have pro bono lawyers or have a pro bono coordinator to look after such cases. Check with such organizations and firms and see if you meet the criteria to qualify for legal services, for free or at reduced cost. Ask your friends and family about lawyers who are willing to offer pro bono service. It is always advisable to look for references of people who know such lawyers, so that you are sure that despite working at no or lower fees, the pro bono divorce lawyer would handle your case efficiently.

It is very important to have an efficient divorce attorney. Despite all the benefits of having a lawyer fighting your case for free, employing a pro bono lawyer is not completely a rosy picture. There are pitfalls associated with it that one needs to be careful. Many times, pro bono divorce lawyers do not have enough experience in handling divorce cases as that may not be their field of expertise. It is best to do your research and talk to a couple of pro bono lawyers, if that is possible, before you are sure that you want a particular pro bono lawyer. Consult with friends and family or those who can give reference regarding the pro bono divorce lawyer you are considering. The best help that you could do to yourself is, to gather as much information about the laws regarding divorce, as you can. This ensures that you are not absolutely dependent on your divorce lawyer.