Choosing the Right Family Law Lawyer For You

Attorneys who specialize in family legal situations, be it marriage, child adoption, divorce or domestic disputes are family law practitioners. These attorneys help individuals through the adoption process and anguish that comes with a marriage dissolution; they aid in the key details of prenuptials and are able to fight within the courthouses for those involved in family feuds. If you happen to require the assistance of such an individual, you will need to take the time to consider your options. In this article, we will walk you through the process involved in selecting your family law lawyer. 

Step 1 – It’s likely that you know of a friend or family member who has gone through a similar experience. Get in touch with them to obtain referrals and recommendations. Be sure to insist obtaining recommendations from those with actual experiences, instead of “friend of a friend” situations. You’ll need to obtain referrals from someone you are able to rely on. Family law is a legal sector that call for a certain level of compassion between the lawyer and client. 

Step 2 – Check out a legal reference service or state bar member directory. The ABA (American Bar Association) offers links to local attorney recommendation services in as well as recommendations in your state and national bar associations. If you find that an attorney is listed in one or more of these directories, it is likely that they are well-established, experienced and qualified to handle your case. Locate attorneys who have offices located by you and close to the courthouse. Once you have a solid list of candidates, it’s time to schedule appointments. 

Step 3 – Treat your appointments like interviews. Most practices will offer the initial consultation free of charge as a way to sell prospective clients on their services. Bring along a list of questions and pay attention to the way in which they are answered. Find out the experience level of the attorney, as well as information pertaining to their education and areas of expertise. Some offices may engage in more than one area of law, whereas others will focus primarily on one. Figure out what the current case load of the attorney is in order to decide whether he or she will have enough time to adamantly spend on your particular case. For some reason, if the lawyer appears annoyed by your questioning or is unable to answer adequately, it may be time to move on to another candidate. 

Step 4 – You’ll want to find someone who makes you feel comfortable. Though you don’t need to know them on a personal level, it’s important to be able to trust your attorney, while having them instill a sense of confidence in you regarding their abilities. If you take the time to meet with a few different attorneys, chances are that understands you and can best represent you during your case. 

Step 5 – Go with your gut and choose the lawyer who feels right. Avoid making your decision based on price alone, as you will generally get what you pay for. Instead, try and opt for someone who is experienced, available and qualified.