If you are getting divorced, have custody issues, or are contemplating adoption, you will need a family law attorney. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some tips from Jensen Family Law in Mesa AZ on how to choose the right family law attorney.
Determine What Type Of Lawyer You Need
In order to choose the right family law attorney, you need to determine the type of legal assistance you need. Family law attorneys deal with a variety of issues, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Some family law attorneys specialize in certain areas, such as domestic violence or adoption. You should interview several attorneys to find one who matches your specific needs.
Check Their Experience
Family law is a complex area of the law, and you need someone who knows the ins and outs of the system. How much experience should your lawyer have? Ideally, your lawyer should have at least five years of experience practicing family law. However, don’t be afraid to ask about their experience, specifically with cases like yours. It is also important to find a lawyer who is comfortable representing you in court.
Check The Lawyer’s Or Law Firm’s Reputation
You’ll want to choose an attorney who has a strong track record of success and who is known for providing quality legal representation. Meeting with the lawyer or firm in person is one of the best ways to get a feel for their reputation and to see if they would be a good fit for your case. You can also check online review platforms like Yelp to get feedback from past clients.
How Well The Lawyer Or Law Firm Communicates Can Make A Difference
You’ll want an attorney who is responsive, understanding and easy to talk to. You’ll be sharing a lot of personal information with your lawyer, so it’s important that you feel comfortable doing so. You should also be able to easily reach them when you have questions or need updates. If you’re not getting the level of communication you need, it might be time to find a new lawyer.
Make Time To Meet The Attorney In Person
The first step in choosing a family law attorney is to meet with them in person for an initial consultation. During this meeting, you should consider the following factors:
· How well does the lawyer or firm take care of their clients?
· Does the lawyer seem knowledgeable about your case and the laws involved?
· Is the lawyer attentive, responsive, and easy to talk to?
· Is the lawyer respectful of your needs and concerns?
· How does the attorney handle conflict or difficult situations?
Ask For Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a family law attorney is to ask friends, family members, or coworkers for recommendations. If you know someone who has recently gone through a divorce or child custody battle, they may be able to recommend an attorney who was helpful in their situation. You can also check online review sites and ask other attorneys for recommendations.
Check If They Have Reasonable Fees
It is important to find an attorney who is affordable and provides quality representation. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to potential clients. You should take advantage of this and meet with several different lawyers before making a decision. When meeting with an attorney, be sure to ask about their fee structure and what is included in their retainer agreement. You should also make sure you’re comfortable with their fees and that they are reasonable for your situation. In general, you should expect to pay a moderate amount for family law services, depending on the complexity of your case. However, some attorneys may charge higher rates if they have a lot of experience or offer specialized services such as mediation or collaborative law.
Prepare Some Must-Know Questions
When you first meet with your family law attorney, there will be a lot of information to cover. To ensure that you get all the answers you need and to make sure the lawyer is the right fit for your case, it’s important to come prepared with some must-know questions. Some questions you may want to ask include:
· How will the house be divided?
· Who will get custody of the children?
· How will child support be calculated?
· How long will the divorce take?
· What are the next steps?
Once you’ve found an attorney you feel comfortable with, it’s time to hire them and get started with your case. Be sure that you ask any final questions or concerns you may have before signing a contract or retainer agreement, and then put all of your energy into working with your attorney to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.