Hiring the right family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you make during your divorce. You do not want to hire the wrong lawyer because it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to change lawyers. Here are 14 important points to consider before you hire a family law attorney:
- Choose an attorney who will go to court, if necessary. Does this lawyer regularly appear in court? An attorney who is familiar with the court house and the local rules and procedures used by the judges has a distinct advantage over the lawyer who does not have this information.
- Choose an attorney you trust. Nothing is more important in a lawyer/client relationship than having a lawyer you can depend on.
- Choose an attorney who is an authority in family law. You want a lawyer who is a respected source of information — one who has dedicated his practice to helping people understand divorce and family law.
- Choose an attorney who provides excellent service. Anything less is not acceptable. Do you feel that the lawyer wants to provide you with the help you need? Or, do you get the impression that he is looking for bigger fish to fry and that you are just a small fish in the ocean?
- Choose an attorney you can reach by telephone and email. Does your lawyer get back to you promptly? Can you reach your attorney after hours if needed? Some lawyers give clients a cell phone number to call after hours or an email address. Ask the lawyer if he will respond promptly to your needs.
- Choose a lawyer who will give you close, personal attention. Does the lawyer have so many clients that he cannot provide you with the personal care you deserve? Does the lawyer you’re considering work on your case personally – or does he delegate your case to a junior associate?
- Choose a lawyer who welcomes your questions. You want a lawyer who schedules phone calls and meetings allowing enough time to answer all of your questions and concerns.
- Choose a lawyer who offers different billing options. Does your lawyer give you the choice of paying a flat fee or being billed by the hour? Explore whether the lawyer will give you one or more options so you can decide which one is right for you.
- Choose a lawyer who charges fair fees. If the lawyer’s fee is too low, he may not be doing all he can to represent you properly. Make sure the value you’re receiving is at least equal to the fee you’re paying.
- Choose a lawyer who cares about you. You can easily tell by how you interact with the lawyer. Does he watch the clock while talking with you? Does he seem to understand your problems concerns? Or is he more concerned with telling you about himself?
- Choose a lawyer you’re comfortable with. You don’t want a lawyer whose ego is so big that it barely fits into the room?
- Choose a lawyer who has roots in the community. This attorney cares about his reputation and is more likely to be available in the future when you need help.
- Choose a lawyer who limits his practice to family law. If you don’t choose a lawyer who has the in-depth knowledge you need, you aren’t likely to get the result you want.
- Choose a lawyer who offers free initial consultations. Shouldn’t you be able to talk with the lawyer for free before you decide whether to hire him?