Episode 5: How to Find the Right Divorce Lawyer (And What to Do If You Can't Afford One)

Because "just get a lawyer" is not a strategy. Finding the right divorce attorney can make or break your case — and your sanity. In this episode, Rachel breaks down exactly what to look for in a divorce lawyer, what questions to ask in a consultation, and the red flags that should send you walking. She also covers the options most people don't know exist: collaborative divorce, mediation, limited scope representation, and nonprofits like the Lilac Tree in Evanston, IL that help women navigate the process even when traditional legal fees feel impossible. IN THIS EPISODE•      Why Rachel hired three lawyers before finding the right one — and what she learned from each•      How to treat a legal consultation like a job interview (because it is)•      The single best question to ask a prospective attorney•      Red flags: the attorney who guarantees outcomes, the one who only agrees with you, and the one who picks fights that don't matter•      The full spectrum of divorce options — uncontested, collaborative, and mediation explained clearly•      "My sanity had a dollar value" — why Rachel made financial concessions to move faster, and how to decide what's right for you•      Legal aid, law school clinics, limited scope representation, and the Lilac Tree — real options when cost is a barrier Save this episode and come back to it when you're ready to start making calls. If you're looking for a nonprofit that helps women navigate the divorce process, search for organizations similar to the Lilac Tree in your state, or contact your State Bar Association for referrals. RESOURCES & LINKSbreaking-upward.com — full show notes, resources, and community@breaking_upward_divorce on Instagram  |  @breakingupward on TikTokIf you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence:National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233  |  Text START to 88788  |  thehotline.org If this episode helped you, please leave a review and share it with a friend who needs it. Reviews help other women going through divorce find this show.