If you are in the position of looking for a divorce lawyer then there are steps you need to take; the following attributes are the most desirable:*Knowledgeable in these matters *Have the right frame of mind for this type of work *Reputable  In these circumstances you will need a divorce attorney who has at least half their workload in this area and one that is able to act as a mediator. However, none of this will be any good without your complete trust in their abilities.Attorneys that tend to follow the mediation route are good at giving settlement advice but you may need an attorney who is more familiar with courtroom settlements. Your divorce lawyer will be able to help with some aspects but there will be things only you can do so think carefully about what you need explained before you contact them.Whether you intend to see them or speak on the phone, write everything down as this is the most efficient way to utilize your legal representative and keep a record of dates and times you spoke with them. As all costs relating to law and legal advice are costly, try not to visit them at the office unless absolutely necessary; this can be achieved by using the phone or mail.  Another way to do information gathering is to contact a private investigator when necessary especially if you have a  private investigator insurance  to cover the cost.  Remember you divorce attorney is there for their expertise in the field and not to act as a counselor, you should hopefully be able to use people close to you for that. Never trouble your divorce lawyer with trivial matters that do not directly concern the divorce.Let your lawyer know from the start that you will be in charge of the case and they are there for legal advice and not as someone to lean on when things start getting rough. If they are there purely to act in accordance with the legal issue of divorce it will be more efficient utilization of their services and you will be making the decisions. You will need to instruct them to forward any information they have received to you and you expect a prompt reply to any issue you may raise.If money is an issue, it may be a preferable for you to only contact a lawyer for legal advice on a marital settlement but not representation. You may decide to carry out research first before you contact them, only asking your lawyer questions you have not been able to find answers too. You may decide to have a divorce lawyer help with your marital settlement agreement, either to draft one or just to check over one you have made yourself then contact them if you get stuck or confused.