Choosing a family law attorney for your needs can be difficult. You want an attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable, and will fight for what you need. The right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce (such as child custody, real estate) and how you handle the intensely emotional process.
You need a reliable and trusted lawyer who takes your case seriously and pays attention to your needs.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a family law attorney.
Contents
- 1. Find An Attorney You’re Happy To Work With
- 2. Know What Kind Of Attorney You Need And Interview Prospectives With Your Needs
- 3. Ask Questions
- 4. Pick a Lawyer, Not a Law Firm
- 5. Settlement and Litigation
- 6. Get Recommendations But Make Your Own Decisions
- 7. Consider the Cost
- 8. Make Sure They’re Available
- Final Thought
1. Find An Attorney You’re Happy To Work With
The first thing you should consider is finding an attorney you’re happy to work with. You’ll likely be working very closely with them, so it’s important that you feel comfortable communicating with them and that they understand your needs. Make sure to interview a few different attorneys before making your decision.
2. Know What Kind Of Attorney You Need And Interview Prospectives With Your Needs
Do you need a divorce attorney, or an attorney that specializes in child custody, or both? It’s important to know what kind of attorney you need so that you can find one that specializes in the area you need help with.
Be as specific as you can when describing your needs when you get in touch with a law company to chat with a potential attorney. Many attorneys will agree to chat with you without charging you so that you can both figure out if you’ll be a good “match” for one another.
You want an attorney that you feel will “get” you and who you feel comfortable working with. After all, this person will be helping you through one of the most difficult times in your life.
You also want to make sure that they are someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of family law that you need help with. If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll want to find an attorney who specializes in divorce law.
If you need help with child custody, find an attorney who specializes in that area. The more experience they have, the better equipped they’ll be to handle your case and get you the outcome you need.
3. Ask Questions
While speaking to a prospective attorney, be sure to ask them questions about:
- their experience?
- what kind of cases do they typically take on?
- how they would approach your case
- How long have they been practicing?
- Do they have experience with cases like yours?
- What is their success rate?
- Are they willing to work within your budget?
- What are their fees? How do they bill (by the hour, flat rate, etc.)?
- What are their thoughts on your case?
After you’ve asked these questions and gotten to know the attorney a bit better, you’ll be in a much better position to make a decision about whether or not they’re the right fit for you.
4. Pick a Lawyer, Not a Law Firm
Keep in mind your (a client) relationship with a lawyer is far more significant than your relationship with a legal company. You will interact more with your lawyer, so it is essential to make sure you can develop a good working rapport. If necessary, visit the law firm and see how well you get along with everyone there.
5. Settlement and Litigation
Some attorneys tend to settle cases out of court, while others are more likely to take cases to trial. If you have a preference for how you’d like your case to be handled, be sure to ask prospective attorneys about their approach to settlement and litigation.
6. Get Recommendations But Make Your Own Decisions
Talk to friends, family, and other people you trust for recommendations. Once you have a few names, do your own research to learn more about each lawyer. Look for reviews online, check their website and make sure they are in good standing with the state bar association.
Don’t just choose an attorney because someone you know recommended them. You need to make the decision yourself.
7. Consider the Cost
Cost is always an important factor to consider, but it shouldn’t be the only one. You want to find an attorney that you can afford, but you also want to make sure they are worth the price. Ask about their fees up front and get an estimate of how much your case is likely to cost.
Asking around for recommendations, doing your own research, and considering the cost are all important factors to keep in mind when choosing a family law attorney. By taking the time to do this, you’ll be in a much better position to find the right lawyer for your needs.
8. Make Sure They’re Available
Another important thing to consider is whether or not the attorney you’re considering is actually available. If they’re juggling a lot of cases, they may not have the time to give your case the attention it deserves.
Final Thought
When it comes to divorce, child custody, or any other family law matter, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side. The right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Hope with these tips, you can choose the right family law attorney for you.
