You have probably heard the saying, “There are two types of people in the world: those who need lawyers and those who don’t.” Well, when it comes to family law, just about everyone could use a good lawyer at some point. If you are going through a divorce or even just contemplating one, you need to know how to choose the right family law attorney. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, as your lawyer will be helping you through one of the most difficult times in your life. Here are some tips you should consider if you’re looking for a family law aLttorney.
Choose an experienced attorney.
An experienced attorney will know the ins and outs of the legal system and will be able to guide you through the process. He or she will also have a wealth of experience dealing with the different issues that can come up in a divorce, such as a child custody, child support, and property division. When interviewing potential family law attorneys, be sure to ask about their experience in family law. Ask how many years they have been practicing family law and how many cases they have handled. You can also ask for references from past clients.
Make sure they are licensed to practice in your state
Since family law issues may vary from state to state, it is important that your attorney be licensed to practice in the state you are living in or getting divorced in. You can verify this by contacting the state’s licensing board and asking for the name of a lawyer who practices family law in your area.
Find out if they have a positive track record
Family law attorneys regularly face situations that can be very tense and emotional for their clients. It is crucial that your attorney knows how to handle these issues professionally and compassionately so that he or she can get you the best results possible. Ask around among friends and colleagues until you find an attorney who has earned a reputation for being able to handle these types of cases successfully.
Get a feel for their personality
Last but not least, you need to make sure that you get along with your potential attorney on a personal level. This is important because you will be spending a lot of time with this person during the divorce process. You need to be able to trust and confide in your attorney, and you need to feel comfortable communicating with him or her. Schedule an initial consultation with a few different attorneys until you find one that you click with.
Find how much they charge
While you should not base your decision solely on cost, it is important to find an attorney who charges a fee that you can afford. Be sure to ask about fees during the initial consultation so that there are no surprises down the road. Most family law attorneys charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee, so be sure to find out which one they use before hiring them.
Pick a lawyer, not a law firm.
There are some benefits to working with a large law firm, such as having a team of attorneys who can work on your case. However, in most cases, it is best to choose an individual attorney rather than a law firm. This is because you will usually get more personal attention from an individual lawyer, and you will not have to pay the high overhead costs that come with working with a large law firm. Also, family law attorneys in smaller firms tend to be more specialized and may have a better understanding of the issues that are most important to you.
Has the attorney litigated family law cases?
About 90% of all family law cases are settled out of court, so you may be wondering why it is important to find an attorney who has experience litigating cases. The answer is simple: if your case does go to trial, you want an attorney who knows how to argue and present evidence in front of a judge and jury. You do not want an attorney who is inexperienced and will be easily intimidated by the opposing counsel. When interviewing potential attorneys, be sure to ask about their experience in court.
How responsive is the attorney?
You should also find an attorney who is responsive to your phone calls and emails. This is important because you will likely have many questions throughout the divorce process, and you want to be able to get answers from your attorney in a timely manner. During the initial consultation, be sure to ask how quickly the attorney typically responds to phone calls and emails.
In conclusion, family law disputes are emotionally charged and complex. It’s important to choose the right family law attorney to represent you in order to get the best outcome for your situation.
