There are over one million lawyers in the U.S, which means there are plenty of options to choose from.
Finding a reputable family law attorney is essential for helping your case and ensuring you’re working with the best in the business. But if you’re unfamiliar with the jargon and sector, it can feel impossible to know what to look for. Perhaps that’s why you’re here; you’re currently searching for a great lawyer and need help.
Sounds like you? No worries; we’ve got your back. Here’s how to find a family law attorney you can trust.
Outline Your Budget
Before Googling “family law attorney near me”, it’s important to know your budget. Figure out how much you can spend as that will determine which candidate is the right fit for your situation. You should also be honest about your budget from the get-go to save you and the candidate’s time.
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Determine Your Needs
When comparing attorneys for family law, you must know your needs. For example, you may need a lawyer to offer general advice on how to move forward or a specific task, such as representing you in court. Know, that your goals will greatly impact your search, so make sure you know exactly what you need before signing any contracts.
Ask for Recommendations
Not everyone has buddies in family law, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask around. Maybe a family member has worked with an attorney recently or your friend can recommend a great candidate. You should also search online for prospects in your area and only choose ones with a collection of stellar reviews as it shows they’re worth the time and money.
Choose a Lawyer, Not a Firm
Many people fall into the trap of choosing a family law lawyer firm rather than the individual. This is because it’s the relationship between the law partner and the client that matters as they’re dealing with personal information.
If the lawyer wants to pass on your case to another attorney, ask for a valid explanation and research the associate, especially if they have less experience. But, to be safe, only agree to sign a contract if you’re working with a lawyer and no one else.
Check Each Candidate’s Experience
Sure, each candidate may appear at the top of your “attorney family law” Google search, but that doesn’t mean they have the best experience. Spend time checking the attorney’s website because the lawyer should reveal their experience and be board-certified. If a candidate isn’t willing to prove their certifications, continue your search, as it’s a major red flag.
Compare Rates
Research rates, so you know whether each candidate is offering a reasonable price. On average, family lawyers charge around $225 to $300 hourly, but it can fluctuate depending on the location and their experience. As a general rule, go with the median price because if you choose the cheapest option, they likely won’t represent you as well.
Ask the Right Questions
Don’t hire an attorney unless you’ve arranged a consultation with each one.
During it, you should come equipped with a range of questions to determine whether the candidate is reliable and has sufficient experience. You should ask, for example, how often they handle family law matters. A great candidate will understand the different parts of the law and have worked on similar cases to yours.
Further, ask each family attorney about your case and the possible outcomes. The candidate should give you an overview of how they’ll tackle the case and ensure you win it. If they can’t provide you with possible outcomes, it’s likely because they don’t have enough experience.
Keeping this in mind, quality lawyers should also highlight the obstacles you face in the case. Luckily, not all problems are deal-breakers and can easily be fixed with the right lawyer on your side.
Be Honest With Your Family Attorney
You can never hide when you’re faced with the law, and this is the same for your attorney. Regardless of how messy the situation is, be honest and discuss anything that’s impacting the case. For instance, as you’re in court for custody of your little one, mention anything that may be used against you so the lawyer can be prepared and fight back.
Note, if you don’t reveal important information or lie, it could result in perjury once you take the oath. In the worst-case scenario, the lawyer may stop representing you, which will cause delays and potentially cost you the case.
Listen to Your Gut
Like with every important decision in life, always listen to your gut. Make sure you feel comfortable around the lawyer and trust them. You must choose a lawyer that actively listens when discussing your case and doesn’t look bored, as it’s a major red flag.
You should also find a lawyer with the right personality style. For instance, you may want a lawyer who offers frequent updates and contacts you by phone rather than email. Also, if you have a specific deadline, be upfront about it and only choose a candidate who will work hard to meet it.
Find a Family Law Attorney Today
Hopefully, you’re now confident about choosing a family law attorney for your case.
There are many ways to find the perfect lawyer, such as asking around for recommendations and choosing an individual over a firm. You should also arrange an interview with an array of questions and always listen to your gut. Good luck with your search!
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