Choosing the right family lawyer can be stressful and difficult. But with the following tips in mind, we hope that your process in selecting the right family law lawyer is made simpler:
1. Specialty
The prerequisite for finding the right family law attorney is a lawyer that specializes in family law. However, that does not mean that your selected family lawyer must only practice in the family law sector. In fact, you will find that most law firms are dedicated to many areas of law. But, in ensuring that a family law lawyer specializes in family law indicates that he/she is knowledgeable and up to date with the practice of family law.
2. Knowledge and Experience
The right family law lawyer will have the legal knowledge and expertise necessary to handle your family law matter throughout its development.
Do not be afraid to ask the lawyer the number of years they have been practicing in the area of family law for.
3. Convenience and Location
Finding a lawyer in your vicinity is a good idea as, at least in the beginning of your case, you will have to visit their office on several occasions.
These trips include going for initial consultations, intake interview, signing documents, discussing an issue with your lawyer in person, etc.
4. Make a List
Begin making a list of lawyers that practice in the area of family law.
To avoid becoming overwhelmed, limit your list to 3 to 5 lawyers based on their specialty and legal expertise.
5. Best Ratings Do not Equal Best Lawyer
While making your list of lawyers to meet, be wary of using a lawyer’s rating on the internet to determine their legal competence.
It may just be the case that the best rated family law counsel has a large advertising budget to play with while a lawyer with sub-par ratings may be one of the best lawyers you will meet.
Try to make your decision about a family lawyer’s legal aptitude only after either speaking to them or through meeting with them.
6. Call Before Making an Appointment
Keeping in mind that while many lawyers may not have the time to talk to new clients, try to set up a quick phone call with him/her to see whether you like their legal approach.
This step, however, should not be used to discount a lawyer’s legal skills based on a 2-minute phone conversation.
It is merely suggested to assist in excluding lawyers from your list that you believe will absolutely not work.
7. Initial Meeting, Personality, and Alternatives Provided
Your initial meeting with a family attorney is critical in determining whether that lawyer is the right family law lawyer for you.
This is an opportunity for you to evaluate the lawyer and determine whether you will be comfortable dealing with them with respect to your family law matter.
If you find yourself disliking the lawyer’s style and personality at the first instance, it is likely that you may find it difficult to establish an ongoing relationship with them.
In this case, you may wish to consider meeting with another attorney.
If, on the other hand, you are very pleased with their professionalism and competence, that most likely is the right family law lawyer for you.
Another important factor in choosing a right counsel is ensuring that he/she presents with options that do not just include litigation but that may also include mediation, collaborative law processes, and other alternative dispute resolution strategies that may be in your best interest.
8. Lawyer vs. Law Firm
If you believe that a law firm is right for you but the assigned lawyer is not, ask to be referred to a different lawyer at that firm.
If other lawyers at the firm are unavailable, you may also request the law office to refer you to a different lawyer.
9. Cost of Representation
For many of us, one of the major factors in choosing the right lawyer is to determine whether a lawyer’s hourly rate is affordable.
It is important that you are realistic about your financial circumstances and choose a lawyer that you can reasonably afford.
We, at M.J. O’Nions, Lawyer and Mediator, ensure you get the best possible service at a great price.
We understand the growing high cost of legal services and are dedicated to making legal services as affordable as possible.
10. It is Never too Late
If you are unhappy with your selected lawyer, it is best for you to look for a new one.
Dealing with your family law issue is stressful enough and your lawyer should be assisting in reducing that stress, not increasing it.
With over 20 years of experience, M.J. O’Nions, Lawyer & Mediator has the legal expertise and skills to assist you with any family law issue that you are facing. Contact us at 604-449-7779 to set up a consultation.