A family lawyer is a type of lawyer who specializes in handling issues concerning families. It can be child custody, guardianship, divorce, alimony, child support, etc. In some cases, a family lawyer can handle cases related to domestic violence, child abuse, adoption, etc. If your case involves any of these matters, it would be best to consult with a family lawyer.
But with so many family lawyers today in the market, how can you be sure that the one you are hiring is the perfect fit? Well, there are plenty of factors that you need to consider if you want to hire the best family lawyer. Here are factors you need to put into consideration hiring a family lawyer.
- Experience
One of the crucial factors you need to pay attention to when hiring a family lawyer is experience. You want to make sure that that the lawyer is conversant in family law. Working with an experienced family lawyer from Giuliano Law will guarantee you a positive outcome of your case. Find out the number of years the lawyer has been practicing family law. The more the number of years, the more experienced the lawyer is. In addition to that, the lawyer’s experience is crucial when it comes to establishing his or her familiarity with judges.
- License
A reliable and trustworthy lawyer should be licensed. It is not just about having a license; make sure that the license is from your state. If the license is from another state, the lawyer will not be allowed to represent you in your state. That’s because every state has its own licensing requirements. If your preferred family lawyer won’t show you his or her license, look for another lawyer.
- Professionalism
Another essential thing you need to pay attention to when looking for a family lawyer is professionalism. You need a lawyer who is equipped with the best strategies to guide you through the case. It is vital for the lawyer to represent you ethically and have your interest at heart. The lawyer should portray himself or herself professionally. He or she should show up for your meeting on time. He should call you back if he or she promised to do so.
- Reputation
Reputation is also another crucial factor that you must consider when hiring a family lawyer. It is good to know what people are saying about your preferred family lawyer before you go ahead and hire him or her.
The best way to go about this is by reading online reviews and testimonials. You will find them on the lawyer’s website. They can help you make a more informed decision. If the lawyer has plenty of negative reviews, then most likely, the lawyer is not the best in his or her job. Of course, you also don’t want to work with a family lawyer who has been involved in any kind of malpractice. That’s why you must pay attention to the reputation of the family lawyer.
- Schedule an appointment and ask the lawyer the right questions
Once you have ascertained the lawyer’s experience and reputation, you should schedule an appointment with him or her. That’s where you will see his office, his staff, and how they handle clients. Once you are with the lawyer, you need to ask them some vital questions. Some of the questions you can ask the lawyer include:
- Where did they go to school?
- How long have they practiced family law?
- How many similar cases to yours have they handled in the past?
- Can he or she provide you with references?
- How much do they charge for their services?
- Availability
This is also another essential factor you need to pay attention to when hiring a family lawyer. How available is the lawyer? Of course, the last thing you want is a lawyer who is too busy and won’t give your case the utmost attention it deserves. During your initial appointment with the family lawyer, you need to ask the lawyer how available they are and if they will prioritize your case. Some lawyers even handle their cases to other attorneys in their office because of their tight schedules. If you notice that the lawyer is too busy, it would be better to look for another one if you want your case to be given the full attention it deserves.
- Pay attention to the lawyer’s communication
The ability to communicate efficiently also matters when it comes to hiring a family lawyer. You want a family lawyer who can communicate clearly in a way that you can understand better. Throughout your case, you will be in constant communication with the lawyer. You will ask him or her numerous questions to which you want answers. That’s why you need a lawyer who can explain to you things in a simple way to make you understand better. The lawyer should also be able to answer your calls promptly whenever you call him or her.
Additionally, the lawyer should tell you in advance which method of communication they prefer, whether it is telephone, email, or in-person meeting. You also need to choose which method you feel comfortable with.
- Legal fees
Family lawyers typically charge differently for their services. Some are very expensive, especially more experienced lawyers. Some also charge affordable legal fees. So it is upon you to find a family lawyer whom you can afford. But this doesn’t mean that you should focus only on cost when hiring a family lawyer; pay attention to other factors, such as qualifications, experience, and reputation. After all, these are the three qualities that make up a great family lawyer.
Final thoughts
Whether you are dealing with divorce or child custody, it is crucial for you to find the right family lawyer if you want a positive outcome. Pay attention to the above factors, and you will surely find the right family lawyer who will help you with your case.
