Family law is a complicated and sometimes emotionally-stirring subject many choose to avoid. This can make finding the right family law attorney challenging but possible. You need to know what questions you should be asking and how to find the answers that will bring you peace of mind.
The first question you should ask is what type of case this attorney usually specializes in. Family lawyers handle various issues in multiple jurisdictions—child custody, divorce, child support, and domestic violence—each requires a unique skill set. If you can’t determine exactly which area your lawyer is an expert in, this is an easy question to ask that will give you a good idea of how experienced they are.
Another critical question to ask is what their rates are. Make sure you understand how much the lawyer will charge and if there are any extra fees associated with the services they perform. After all, you want to avoid getting stuck paying through the nose for something you don’t understand.
You also will want to find out which lawyers your local community uses. Plenty of online forums discuss everything from the best restaurants to the best lawyers in town. Checking these out will help you locate local attorneys doing what is correct and popular in your area.
Additionally, you should know what insurance your lawyer has and how much those insurances cost. This will help you know that your lawyer is trustworthy—and it may even mean the difference between getting one or another would-be attorney in hot water and proceeding at all.
If you are looking for a lawyer specializing in a particular field of law, such as child custody, divorce, or child support, then make sure you can find out which state this attorney is licensed to practice in. You must do this through the lawyer’s website or by calling them directly. A qualified attorney should be able to tell you if a specific state licenses them and if that license includes issues specific to your area.
Finally, there is always a right time to ask for recommendations. Find out if any of their previous clients would be willing to provide a reference that could attest to the quality of service offered by this attorney and give you an idea of how they work with others in similar situations.
