On average there are 827,000 divorces every year. While some divorces go smoothly, if there are complications, disagreements, or child custody involved, the need for a lawyer becomes more significant. If you’re currently going through a divorce and wish to hire a lawyer to assist you, it’s important to choose the family lawyer that you feel will benefit you most. To help make this process easier, here is what you should consider when looking into different family lawyers.
Deciding Which Lawyer You Can Work With
Family Lawyers aren’t just legal representatives, they should function as partners throughout the duration of your case. You want to make sure the lawyer you choose is someone you feel you can confide in, and share sensitive and private information with. This makes choosing a lawyer whom you can communicate well with, one of the most important things to look for. If you feel uncomfortable or mistrusting, it’s probably a good idea to interview another lawyer to see if you feel more comfortable with them.
Deciding Which Lawyer Has the Best Credentials
While it’s important to be able to work alongside your lawyer comfortably, it’s also important to make sure they have experience with cases like yours. Ask how experienced they are with similar cases and what the outcomes of the previous cases were. You should also consider how prompt they are in communicating and if they are willing to work within your budget. For instance, if a lawyer is unable to communicate with you promptly throughout the process, you could easily become frustrated by the radio silence. If communication is going to be an issue, ask if there will be anyone else you can touch base with so that you can ask questions or have someone else to rely on when your lawyer is unavailable. Budget is likewise something to consider and is something you should always discuss during your first meeting.
Choosing Lawyers and Not a Firm
When looking at family lawyers it’s important to make a decision based on the individual lawyer and not the firm. The relationship between you and your lawyer is more important, and if the lawyer your working with tries to pass the case on to another associate at the firm, you should question the reasoning and demand to know the associate’s experience. If you feel any hesitation or that your case isn’t being taken seriously, it might be best to seek out other family lawyers.
Handling Fees and Costs
Discussing your budget should always be something you do during your first meeting with a lawyer. Make sure to ask if there is a flat fee or if they can give you an estimate that fits your budget. If your lawyer doesn’t operate with flat fees there’s no tangible way to determine exactly how much their representation will cost you. Keeping this in mind you can get a better idea of what a lawyer will cost you and if you feel their aid is worth it.
The Settlement and Litigation
Many family cases can be settled outside of court; however, in the event that you do go to court, you need to make sure your lawyer is comfortable in both negotiations and courtroom affairs. You should make sure that your lawyer has the training and experience to ensure that you get the best outcome regardless of and in court or out of court settlement. Furthermore, you should also ask how your lawyer will handle the case should your settlement attempts fail.
If you need a family lawyer on your side, keep these tips in mind when interviewing potential candidates and don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple options before making a selection. Finding a lawyer that is both experienced and trustworthy is important to ensure that you get the best outcome possible in your case.