How to Know Which Family Lawyer is Right for You

Experienced family law attorneys have dealt with a wide range of marital issues, both in and out of court. For example, you may need a family law attorney to fight for the custody of children or to negotiate the split of a family business.

Picking the right family law lawyer for you can make a world of difference. If you haven’t had the chance to work with one before, this decision can be overwhelming. The following are some tips to help you make the right decision when choosing a family attorney.

Family Law and Contested Divorce Experience

The more experience the lawyer has in family law and contested divorce cases, the better your chances of winning with them. Take your time to find an attorney with significant experience similar to your situation.

An experienced lawyer typically has handled many cases for different types of clients. They will know their way around a family law courthouse and will be familiar with the tactics used by opposing attorneys. And this makes it easy to have confidence in what they can do for you.

Positive Reviews and Testimonials

You can also know that a family lawyer is right for you when they have many positive reviews.

When a client takes their time to write out a testimonial, you can bet it’s something coming from the heart.

A family lawyer with many people appreciating their work is a good sign. The chances of ending up satisfied like one of their previous clients are much higher in such a case.

Clear Communications and Follow Up

It is also necessary to pay attention to how well the lawyer communicates. Of course, if they’ve been to law school, they should be articulate. But this is about much more than how good their English is.

Pay attention to whether they are a good listener right from the very first time you meet them. While conducting your interview, you should be able to pick up on various cues.

Working with someone that takes time to listen to you and promptly follows up is a big plus.

Find an Attorney You Can Communicate Openly With

Family law cases can differ significantly from other civil cases. Divorces touch on many matters that involve emotions, family and personal relationships, and other intangible aspects that might be more important than money.

As you try to select a good lawyer, you should pay attention to how well you relate to the attorney. It is critical to work with someone that you have a good rapport with. Don’t expect to be best friends with your family law attorney or find them warm and friendly. 

If you don’t strike a rapport from the first time you meet, you’re likely going to feel quite uncomfortable. You need to be able to communicate freely with them.

After all, you want to trust that your attorney will always be in your corner and fighting for you.

A Proven Track Record In and Out of Court

Finally, when picking your family lawyer, you should also consider their record of accomplishment in disputed family law matters. Your goal is to win, and you want a proven family law attorney with experience in the courtroom.

Review the family law attorney’s website for information on past cases like yours. Also, ask the attorney for a resume and list of past successful family law cases and how often they have gone to trial.

Take time to do your research and find out what their success rate is. If you find out that they’ve helped many clients win cases and routinely fight it out in court, you will likely choose a winning team.

Wrapping Up

Don’t settle for the first lawyer you find. Always compare your options.

If you can, get recommendations from people you know who’ve already worked with a family law attorney in a contested divorce proceeding. A personal referral from a trustworthy source can significantly reduce the risk of hiring the wrong family law attorney.