how to find a good family law attorney wikihow

by Ms. Kenyatta Rodriguez 5 min read

How to Find a Good Family Law Attorney.
  • 1. Determine whether you need a family-law attorney. The first step in finding the right attorney is realizing that you need one. You also need to ...
  • 2. Determine the venue. Normally you will bring a legal case in the county where both parties live or in the county in which the opposing party lives.
  • 3. Search for a family-law attorney in the county where you will file your case. Begin making a list of possible attorneys as soon as you have made ...
  • 4. Do some research. Some simple online research can serve as a background check of sorts and provide a wealth of information about some of the ...

Full Answer

How do I find a good family law lawyer?

If you are getting a divorce or preparing for a custody hearing, then an experienced family law attorney can be an invaluable asset. Family law attorneys represent clients in court for a variety of reasons. They also draft legal documents,...

How to choose a good family law attorney?

When you find a family law attorney, your attorney will act as an advocate for you and advise you in your best interests. In an uncontested divorce, a family law attorney can help their client prepare the divorce order, with all the issues settled between the couple, including division of property and child custody and visitation.

What to look for in a family law attorney?

When you find a family law attorney, your attorney will act as an advocate for you and advise you in your best interests. In an uncontested divorce, a family law attorney can help their client prepare the divorce order, with all the issues settled between the couple, including division of property and child custody and visitation.

How do I become a family law attorney?

If you are searching for a will attorney, then you should first draw up a list of potential candidates. Ask friends and family, as well as other attorneys, for a referral. You should then schedule a consultation with the lawyer, where you...

image

How do I find a family law attorney?

Choosing the Right Family Law AttorneyFind an attorney you can work with. ... Interview prospective attorneys with your needs in mind. ... Ask for advice, but make your own decision. ... Pick a lawyer, not a law firm. ... Ask yourself: “Do I like this lawyer?” ... Demand expertise and experience.More items...

How do you find a good attorney?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.Sep 9, 2019

What qualities should a family lawyer have?

7 Important Traits of the Best Family Law LawyersThe lawyer's integrity. ... The family law lawyer's diligence. ... The lawyer's communication skills. ... The lawyer's objectivity. ... The family law lawyer's patience. ... The family law lawyer document preparation skills. ... The family law lawyer skill and experience inside the courtroom.

How do I choose a good lawyer for my case?

How To Choose the Right Lawyer: Ten Points to Consider When Selecting an AttorneyIdentify Your Legal Problem and Use a Specialist. ... Make Sure the Attorney has the Right Experience. ... Expect the Attorney to be a Good Communicator. ... Consider the Attorney's Professionalism.More items...

What kinds of questions would you ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What should you ask your lawyer?

Questions you might ask your lawyerDo I have a problem that can be resolved by law?What legal risks am I facing?What documents do I need to support my case?Do I need statements from witnesses?What are my options for resolving the dispute out of court?How can I settle the case?More items...

What skills do you need for family law?

Family Lawyer Skills For a successful career, you will need the following: Aptitude in client-facing matters and exceptional communication skills. The ability to empathise while remaining professional. The ability to cope with emotionally taxing situations.Aug 2, 2021

What qualities make a good divorce attorney?

When looking to hire an attorney to represent you in your divorce, you should look for someone with the following qualities: ... · A Top-Notch Communicator. ... · Available. ... · Equipped with Sufficient Resource. ... · In Control and Composed (Even When Under Pressure) ... · Pro-Negotiation. ... · Strategic. ... · Confident & Strong.More items...

Is it best to hire a local attorney?

Local lawyers can more effectively judge the value of your case or the likelihood of success. A local attorney knows and can fairly judge the temperament in the community and the likelihood of a fair and reasonable verdict being returned in your particular matter.Nov 18, 2019

Does your lawyer have to be local?

Not exactly. Each state regulates the practice of law. Generally, only attorneys licensed in a particular state can practice law there.Mar 4, 2020

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

What is hourly rate in law?

Lawyers charging an hourly rate “bill” hours and then charge the client for the amount of hours worked on the client’s matter. Usually, hourly rates are used by businesses and corporations who may be involved in litigation. Additionally, individuals may be charged hourly rates for long or complicated litigation. ...

What is an engagement letter?

This is a contract between you and your attorney that defines the nature of the legal engagement you are involved in, and the conditions and terms of your agreement with your attorney.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

How to find a lawyer?

Most lawyers now have websites. You should find the website by doing a web search. For attorneys with common names, you should search “the name” and “lawyer” plus the county or city where the attorney practices. Look over the website for spelling and grammar.

What do family law attorneys do?

Family law attorneys represent clients in court for a variety of reasons. They also draft legal documents, such as parenting plans, prenuptial agreements, and surrogacy contracts. If you need a family law attorney, then you should gather referrals and research the prospective attorneys before scheduling a consultation.

What is the best way to get leads?

Personal referrals are often the best way to get leads. It’s normal to be hesitant of asking people if they have used a family law attorney. Many people don’t disclose to colleagues that they’ve been divorced, fought for custody, etc.

Can an attorney represent you?

You may discover during the consultation that the attorney cannot represent you. For example, the lawyer may have represented your spouse in another matter and therefore has a potential conflict of interest. Or the lawyer may realize that he doesn’t have the expertise necessary to competently handle your matter.

What to do if you don't qualify for legal aid?

If you don't qualify for assistance from legal aid, you might qualify for a state or local bar association program. Bar associations often have pro bono programs that offer assistance to people who meet other criteria, even if their income is too high for legal aid.

Who is Jennifer Mueller?

Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.

How to prepare for divorce?

2. Prepare for your divorce attorney appointment. Before meeting or having a phone consultation with the attorneys on your list, you should prepare for the appointments. Remember that you are interviewing the attorney for a job, and treat your meeting like a job interview, wherein you are the employer.

What happens if you have a mediating attorney?

If dealing with a mediating attorney, understand that should the negotiations between you and your spouse break down, the attorney will most likely excuse himself or herself from the case. You will then both have to start over with new attorneys.

Where did Dr. John S. Johnson get his PhD?

He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 117,689 times. When you've decided that your marriage is no longer working, it can be tough to navigate the legal nuances of divorce.

Who is Clinton Sandvick?

Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 117,689 times.

Can I file for divorce on my own?

A mediator can work with you and your spouse to come up with a division of assets agreement that is agreeable to both parties. After the assets have been divide d, you and your spouse can file for divorce on your own. Give yourself and your spouse some time before officially filing for divorce.

Do I need an attorney for divorce?

Decide whether you need an attorney. Before beginning your divorce attorney search you should first consider whether a divorce attorney is actually necessary. If you and your spouse can resolve the situation amicably, and have no marital property, it is possible to file for divorce pro se, ie. without the assistance of an attorney.

Brandon Family Law Center

Assisting your family from birth to legacy! Adoption, Divorce, Custody, Guardianship, LGBT and more. 10% Military Discount.

Jeffrey P. Cario

When your children and your life's worth are hanging in the balance, you need the best. Call Now to put us to work for you.

Westchase Law Group, P.A

We learn your story to give you the best representation possible. Call today!

Need help with a Family Law matter?

You've come to the right place. Whether you are a parent, child, single, or married a family law attorney can help.

Need An Attorney In Tampa, Florida?

FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys. Browse more than one million law firm and attorney listings, covering all types of legal issues that affect families.

Want to check lawyer discipline?

It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:

Saunders Law Group

Tom Saunders is Board Certified. Concentrates a significant portion of its practice on Family Law

Darla K. Snead, P.L. Attorney at Law

Life is full of the unexpected, and when these situations arise you need an attorney who has your back at every turn. Call us!

Need help with a Family Law matter?

You've come to the right place. Whether you are a parent, child, single, or married a family law attorney can help.

Need an attorney in Kathleen, Florida?

FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys. Browse more than one million listings, covering everything from criminal defense to personal injury to estate planning.

Want to check lawyer discipline?

It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:

image