Legal News
18-Sep-2022
How To Pick The Right Family Law Attorney For Your Case
You’re probably reading this because you or someone you love is dealing with a family law issue. Maybe you need to finalize your divorce, annulment, or separation, or draft an estate plan. Or perhaps you are dealing with child custody and visitation issues or need to finalize a prenuptial agreement. The point is that almost everyone experiences some level of family law problem at some point in their lives, and it can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, many lawyers specialize in this area of law. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, chances are good that there’s a legal professional out there who can assist with your specific needs. Finding a good lawyer doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive process. With so many options available, it’s easy to find one that suits your specific needs. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find a lawyer who’s right for you. Finding the right family lawyer for your case may seem like an intimidating task at first, but by following these tips below, you will be well on your way to making the process as smooth as possible.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Lawyers are like doctors in that different people are going to have different experiences with them. While it is important to make sure you find a lawyer who specializes in your particular type of family law issue, it is just as important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. That way, you can put your worries and anxieties to rest and focus your energy on healing from your current situation. One way to find potential family law lawyers is by asking your friends and family for recommendations. If several of your close friends or family members have had to hire a lawyer for their family law issues, chances are good that they can provide you with a name or two. Be sure to let them know that you are only looking for recommendations for a family law attorney who specializes in your particular type of issue. This will help to narrow down your options and make the process a whole lot easier.
Meet With Several Lawyers Before Selecting One
Once you have a few names in hand, it’s time to set up some meetings with potential lawyers. Try to schedule them at the same time of day, and make sure to hydrate and eat well before heading out. These meetings are not meant to be interrogations, but they can be nerve-wracking nonetheless. When meeting with family law attorneys, listen to their sales pitch and ask lots of questions. Most lawyers will be happy to give you a free consultation, so make sure to ask about pricing upfront. You will also want to discuss the types of cases they specialize in and how many of these cases they handle each year. Ideally, you will want to find a lawyer who has experience handling cases like yours.
Check Licensing and Accreditation
One of the first things you should do when researching family law attorneys is to check their licensing and accreditation. In most jurisdictions, all lawyers need to have a license and be accredited by a governing board to practice law. The board will also have records of any disciplinary actions or complaints lodged against the lawyer. This may not be a deal breaker, but it is certainly worth noting. If possible, try to find a lawyer who has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating a lawyer can receive from this organization and indicates that they have been given the highest level of trust and excellence possible.
Confirm the Lawyer is up to date on Family Law Changes
While you are talking with lawyers, ask them how often they attend continuing education classes. In the field of family law, there are always new and emerging issues popping up, and it is important to make sure your lawyer stays up-to-date on these developments. For example, there have been major changes in family law over the past few years. In particular, there have been sweeping changes to the Child Support Enforcement Act (CSEDA) that many lawyers are still unaware of. Your lawyer needs to be up to date on these and other recent developments in family law to effectively represent you.
Check Out the Office Environment
Some people may find this unimportant, but when you are looking for a lawyer, you are also looking for a trusted confidant and health care professional. Finding someone who is trustworthy is important because you will be talking about sensitive matters with your lawyer, like your children or spouse, your mental health, or financial issues. You want to make sure you are talking to someone who will keep your secrets and has your best interests in mind. Finding a lawyer who is a good listener is just as important as finding one who is a good talker. How the office is decorated and how comfortable the staff makes you feel can tell you a lot about the overall office culture. A lawyer’s office is a reflection of who they are as a person, and that can make all the difference when you are trying to find someone you can trust.
Make Sure You’re Clear on the Cost Upfront
Any good lawyer will be upfront with you about the cost of their services from the outset. Ask about their hourly rate, the amount of time you can expect the case to last, and how much it will cost if the case goes to court. You should also ask about any additional costs that might come up during the case. Finally, you should look for a lawyer who will offer you a contingency fee. This means that you won’t have to pay any costs until the case is won. It is worth noting, however, that there are many different ways that lawyers charge their clients. Some will charge an hourly rate, while others will charge a flat rate or retainer. When it comes to billing practices, there are generally three different types of billing practices utilized by lawyers: hourly, retainer, or fixed fee. Hourly billing is the oldest and most traditional billing practice and is used by many different types of professionals. Retainer billing is slightly less common but is gaining popularity in certain fields, especially family law, where the cases tend to be very lengthy. Fixed-fee billing is the newest and least traditional of the three billing practices and is often used in highly specialized fields.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right family lawyer for your case can make all the difference in the world. Choosing the right lawyer can save you time, money, and stress and can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. With so much at stake, it’s important to choose the right lawyer for your situation. This may seem daunting, but we’re here to help. Our website has tons of information to help you choose the right lawyer for your situation. While it may feel like an overwhelming and intimidating task at first, following these tips above will help you to make the process as smooth as possible. Remember, it is important to find a lawyer you trust and feel comfortable with. And when you do, you can put your worries and anxieties to rest and focus your energy on healing from your current situation. Ultimately, there is no surefire way to guarantee that you will find the right family lawyer for your case. But by following these tips above, you will be well on your way to making the process as smooth as possible.