Can I use a divorce lawyer from another state?

If you're wondering, “Can I use a divorce lawyer from another state?,” the answer depends on some factors. Typically, divorce lawyers must graduate from a four-year university with a bachelor’s degree, then graduate from a three-year accredited law school. The final step in becoming a divorce lawyer in the United States is to take the state bar exam where the lawyer intends to practice law. Thus, the divorce lawyer must be licensed to practice in the state you live. For example, if the divorce lawyer practices law in Covington Kentucky, he may have taken the Ohio state bar examination in Cincinnati because the cities are in close proximity.

You must conduct some research in addition to asking the divorce lawyer if he is licensed to practice in your state. If he is not licensed, then the answer to the posed question is no. You must find a divorce lawyer who has taken the bar examination in your state.  

Once you find a divorce lawyer, your next step is finding the divorce laws in your state. The reason the divorce lawyer must be licensed in your state is that he must know the divorce laws according to your state. Therefore, the divorce lawyer can advise you what type of divorce you can obtain and what steps you will have to take to end your divorce. Your divorce lawyer will also negotiate with your spouse’s lawyer to find common ground about issues such as child custody and alimony.