1. Call the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (312–263–6477) and ask for the names and telephone numbers of at least three lawyers in your city or state. Read our Guidelines for First Telephone Calls to Lawyers, then call each lawyer and schedule appointments. The Academy is a private group of family lawyers considered by many to be the best in their field. Academy lawyers usually handle complex divorce issues involving custody disputes, prenuptial agreements or multimillion-dollar estates.

If you live in California, instead of calling the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers you may call the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists California (415–499–1610) and ask for the names and telephone numbers of at least three lawyers in your city or state. The Association is a private group of "Family Law Specialists" certified by the State Bar of California. Association lawyers also handle complex divorces and considered by many to be the best in their field.

If you live in Texas, instead of calling the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers you may call the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (512-453-7266) and ask for the names and telephone numbers of at least three Board certified family lawyers in your city or state. The Board certifies family lawyers who have "participated in the contested trial of cases involving matters such as divorce, property division, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity or other matrimonial matters".

2. Call your state or local bar associations’ lawyer referral services. To find the telephone numbers of lawyer referral services in your city or state, select your state in the drop down menu provided below and locate the lawyer referral services in or near your city. Once you find a nearby service, call it and ask for the names and telephone numbers of at least three family lawyers in your city or state.

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3. Use your city’s Yellow Pages directory. Pick up a current copy of the directory and turn to the section entitled "Attorneys" or "Lawyers." Browse the lawyer or attorney section and find lawyers in the following practice areas: family law, dissolution, divorce law and custody law. Once you find the names and telephone numbers of three to 10 lawyers in these practice areas, read our Guidelines for First Telephone Calls to Lawyers, call each lawyer and schedule appointments.

Remember, no matter how you find a lawyer, always research the lawyer’s education, licensing, disciplinary history and reputation to make sure the lawyer is reputable before you hire him or her.

The Modern Woman’s Divorce Guide has no relationship with the organizations; agencies or programs listed above and does not endorse their services. We provide these links for your information only.

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