Choosing a Family Lawyer

Choosing a family lawyer can be an overwhelming task to complete when dealing with problems regarding family law but it can mean the difference between a successful case and an unsuccessful case. Dealing with family law problems can not only be overwhelming but it can also be stressful on the mind, the emotions and the wallet. When choosing a family lawyer, the person performing the search should first consider what it is he or she is looking for in the lawyer or what they want to get out of a lawyer when the case begins. Make a list of seven questions that the client should answer before choosing a certain lawyer to represent the client in a family law case.

The seven questions are as follows:

1. Should the lawyer consult the client all the time or should the lawyer run the show at his or her own will and consult the client rarely?
2. Does the client have more interest with protecting their financial interests or maintaining a relationship with their family?
3. Is the client willing to explore the use of mediation or arbitration as opposed to litigation?
4. Is the client considering joint custody in a child custody case?
5. If the lawyer is being hired for a divorce case, will the divorce be a friendly one or a battle with the other spouse?
6. If the case is a divorce, will the client or the family be moving out of the local area once the divorce is final?
7. Is the cost of the attorney worrisome or not an issue at all?

Once the client that is going to choose a family lawyer answers all of these questions they can begin to search for the lawyer that will represent them in a family law case. One of the most important things to remember is to never hire the first lawyer that a client comes across. When choosing a family law lawyer, the client should meet with at least five different lawyers to get a feel for the different ways that a lawyer can handle him or herself.

Where to Find a Family Lawyer

There are plenty of places to find a family lawyer with the advent of technology, especially the Internet. The search can begin in the Yellow Pages, on the Internet, friend and family referrals, or a lawyer referral service. Lawfirms.com is one of the best places to start looking for a family lawyer. There will be hundreds of lawyers listed in your local area. Pick a handful of lawyers at random, or if the client has heard of them before, and begin calling them to set up a consultation. Consult with at least five different lawyers to get a feel for how each one goes about their business when handling family law. Consultations can occur over the phone or face to face. Face to face consultations are the best way to meet a lawyer in their work environment.

Anyone dealing with a family law case should consider the following when choosing which family lawyer to hire for representation in a case:

1. How long has the lawyer been practicing family law?
2. How successful has the lawyer been in family law?
3. Can the client watch the lawyer in another court case?
4. Will the lawyer handle the case personally or will another lawyer work on the case?
5. What is the fee that the lawyer charges for consultations and other services?
6. Will the lawyer inform the client about every correspondence regarding the client's family law case?
7. Has the lawyer worked on cases similar to the one the client needs representation for?