Five Tips: How to Search for a Lawyer for Your Family

evaholmes247
June 30, 2013

From time to time, everyone needs a lawyer. In most situations , that time is an inopportune one. It brings with it a lot of stress, and the last thing you want to do is comb through directories in an attorney search . It’s a good idea to find a family law attorney to help you and your family when those times strike. It works even better if you find this attorney before you actually need him. Here are some recommendations for finding a good attorney.

Talk to Friends and Family Members

Sometimes the best resources in your attorney search are the people you know and love. Ask your friends and family members who they use and what their opinions are. Remember to watch out for bias. After all, if your best friend goes to her uncle for all legal advice, it may be because he is her uncle and not because he is a great lawyer. In general though, you can get a great deal of good information just by asking them.

Look for a Specialization in Family Law

Family law is its own field in law. While there is a lot of overlap and numerous different areas even within family law , it’s good to find a lawyer who specializes in this. If your state bar association offers special certification for family lawyers, then take advantage of this and look up the lawyers who have qualified. Otherwise, ask the attorney what his specialization is. If you are having problems, remember that you can generally call your state bar association’s number to find out who is licensed to practice in your area.

Interview a Minimum of Three Family Lawyers Before Making Your Decision

When looking for a lawyer, you may think about going with the first one who sounds like a good attorney. Don’t do that. Instead, take the time to interview them. That’s what the initial counseling session is for. You go in, and you talk to the attorney. You share your concerns and some of the possible reasons that you need an attorney. Then you go on to talk to another attorney. When you are done, you decide which one is the best choice for you and your family.

Find Out About Communication Times and Fees

Two of the biggest complaints about attorneys are that they charge too much and that they don’t get back in touch with clients fast enough. When you are interviewing attorneys, make sure that you find out about both of these things. You need to know how they will charge you and what they generally charge. Don’t be surprised if they are somewhat vague in the final number. The fees will vary depending on the case. The same goes for the time frame they will get back to you in. What is important though is that they should give you a ballpark so you know roughly what to expect.

Consider Your Gut Feeling

While it may not be scientific, it is a good idea to listen to your own gut feeling when you’re interviewing lawyers. Look at the qualifications, but if one attorney doesn’t seem right to you, then don’t go with him. There are plenty of other attorneys out there. You need to make sure that you find one whom you can communicate with and whom you trust to handle your legal matters.