what questions to ask a family law attorney

^{10 Questions to Ask a Family Court Lawyer Before Hiring}

1. How Long Have You Practiced Law? You want to make sure that whatever lawyer that you get is experienced enough to understand everything that is going into your case ...
2. How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Taken Care Of? Make sure that you are specific with this question. ...
3. What Are Your Usual Clients Like? This may be a bit personal but it’s a good question to ask. ...
4. How Long Does it Take You to Respond to Calls and Emails? You need someone who is going to keep you up to date with information concerning your case. ...
5. Will Anyone Else be Working on My Case? Depending on how complicated your case is, the attorney you’re talking to on the phone may not be the only one ...
How Do You Charge Clients and Can You Give Me an Estimate? ...
What is Your Approach Every lawyer will have a different way of handling your case. Some lawyers are more aggressive than others. ...
Am I Being Unreasonable? When you’re going through a custody case or divorce your emotions will be heightened. ...
What Are the Possible Outcomes for My Case? When you sit down with your potential lawyer to talk about your case, chances are they already have a few ideas ...
Do You Foresee Any Big Problems?

Full Answer

What questions should I ask my child custody attorney?

Aug 22, 2018 · Types of Questions to Ask During an Initial Consultation with a Family Law Attorney. There are many “non-legal” issues which arise in an attorney and client relationship, such as stylistic characteristics, and more, which can impact one’s satisfaction with an attorney.

How do I ask a family law question in California?

Sep 02, 2020 · Don’t accept an answer of just a number. Ask them about specific details of cases that are similar to your circumstances. If spousal support is what worries you most or if you are worried about the future of your children, you need to be reassured that they have successfully handled other cases like yours.

What questions should I ask my family attorney during a consultation?

Apr 09, 2015 · Ask follow-up questions, such as where and when any similar cases went to trial and their results, to ensure the attorney really knows the subject matter. Two: Do you practice in the courthouse where my case is (or will be)?

What questions should I Ask my Lawyer?

Feb 24, 2022 · Family Law FAQs: All Your Questions Answered. Family law can be very complex and it’s important that you have the right information before beginning any legal proceedings. There is a lot that needs to be considered in family law cases and it’s always wise to seek out professional family law advice to ensure you put your best foot forward.

What questions should you ask family lawyer?

The Top Questions to Ask Your Family AttorneyWhat is your level of experience? ... What type of cases do you usually handle and who is your typical client? ... How much will this cost me and how will I be billed? ... Are there other ways to solve my family legal issues? ... When can I expect communication?More items...•May 8, 2018

How do you interview a family lawyer?

Family Lawyer Interview Questions:How do you ensure a mediation between family members remains calm? ... How do you keep your clients up-to-date on their cases? ... Can you describe your hardest family law case? ... What are the most important factors of a will? ... What is your method for prioritizing cases?

What are the tips for hiring a family law attorney?

Whether you plan to pursue a litigated divorce or a collaborative divorce, it's important to hire someone with courtroom experience. Look for an attorney who understands how things will likely play out at the courthouse and who is familiar with the court system in the county where you reside.

What are some good questions to ask an attorney?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What are the questions asked in client interview?

Client Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to AnswerWhat Are Your Prices? ... What's Your Working Process? ... What Happens if We're Not Happy With Your Work? ... What Experience Do You Have? ... Why Do You Think We're a Good Fit? ... What Value Can You Bring to Our Business?Nov 9, 2015

Why is family law interesting?

Why is family law important? Family law lays out and protects the rights and responsibilities of family members across a wide spectrum of situations. It is designed to be a framework that provides a basis for achieving fair and equitable results for all family members involved, whether they are adults or children.Jul 7, 2018

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What questions should I ask my lawyer mentor?

Questions to Ask Your Mentor How is what I am learning in school different from what it will be like practicing? How did you become a [insert practice area] attorney? What is a typical work day like for you? What types of cases/projects are you currently working on?

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following:“How do you like being a judge?”“How did you decide to become a judge?”“What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”“What do you expect from your clerks?”“What are you looking for in clerkship applicants?”“What is your mentorship style?”More items...

What to do if you are stuck in custody?

If you’re getting a divorce or are stuck in the middle of a custody case, you’re going to need the best person to represent you. The only way you’re going to be able to get the best family court lawyer is to ask the right questions. Family matters can already be emotional.

Is it cheap to hire an attorney?

Hiring an attorney won’t be cheap on your wallet no matter where you go but you still want to know what price range you’ll be looking at. You don’t want to get slapped with a surprise fee for travel or court costs later.

What happens when you go through custody?

When you’re going through a custody case or divorce your emotions will be heightened. You may make decisions that are unreasonable and your lawyer will tell you this if you ask.

How long does it take for a lawyer to call you back?

At the very least, your lawyer should be able to call you back when they miss your call or answer an email within 24 hours.

Who is Katherine Bishop?

Katherine Bishop is a staff writer for Attorney at Law Magazine. She has been a writer with the publication for more than four years. She also writes for Real Estate Agent Magazine.

Is a lawyer aggressive?

Every lawyer will have a different way of handling your case. Some lawyers are more aggressive than others. Some treat the case differently depending on if children are involved or not.

Why do lawyers provide free consultations?

Because lawyers often provide a free or low-cost consultation to discuss case details and possible avenues to pursue, you should take that opportunity to ask several questions. They will help you determine not only the merit of your case, but whether that attorney may be the right one for you.

What to do if you are embroiled in a family dispute?

If you find yourself embroiled in a family dispute, you should consider seeking legal counsel from an established family attorney. A family attorney can assist with dealing in matters of divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, restraining orders, spousal support, premarital agreements, wills and trusts, ...

Do you need to know about divorce?

No matter what your situation is, it’s absolutely vital for you to know as much as you can about your situation. This question will vary for each client, but if you’re entangled in a nasty divorce, you will want to know all there is to know about legalities involving divorce. The same would go for wills and trusts or child custody and alimony payments.

What are non legal issues?

There are many “non-legal” issues which arise in an attorney and client relationship, such as stylistic characteristics, and more, which can impact one’s satisfaction with an attorney. Asking the right questions during your initial consultation interview can help you assess whether the attorney is the right choice for your case.

What is a family law consultation?

Typically, consultations are an informal meeting to meet the attorney, get a sense of their approach and personality and see if they are a “good fit”.

Have you handled other cases like mine?

Don’t accept an answer of just a number. Ask them about specific details of cases that are similar to your circumstances. If spousal support is what worries you most or if you are worried about the future of your children, you need to be reassured that they have successfully handled other cases like yours.

Will you handle my case personally or will you have someone else working on it?

Don’t immediately say no if more than one person will be working on your case. A team of lawyers with the support of paralegals and associates can work more efficiently and may even save you money. Outside consultants might also be part of the team, such as personal investigators or other advisors.

How much will you charge me?

You should not be ashamed to bring up the subject of charges. On the contrary, knowing how much something will cost you from the outset will only work to give you peace of mind and avoid surprises. Ask about specific charges such as court costs, outside consultants, and other expenses.

Now that you know my situation, what will be your approach?

A detailed strategy might not be available at this point for the lawyer to share it with you. However, you do want to get a feeling for how aggressive this lawyer is, or what their approach will be. This answer alone might convince you that this is the lawyer for you or, on the other hand, have you running for the door.

Is my request unreasonable?

You might be feeling anxious, sad, depressed, or highly emotional about what you are about to do, whether it’s a divorce, a custody case, or any other family matter. You may be worried that your decisions might not be the right ones at this time.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

How to plan your life after a divorce?

If you want to plan your life after a divorce, you should at least have a general idea of how long divorces similar to yours take. This planning will also help you prepare a budget for the cost of divorce. The attorney should truthfully tell you there is no way to predict exactly how long a divorce will take.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

Is a living trust a tool?

Living trust s are often portrayed as the ultimate estate planning tool and something everyone needs. The truth is a living trust may not solve all your problems but may be one piece of your estate planning toolbox. To find out what’s right for you, ask your attorney the following questions.

Why are living trusts so popular?

Living trusts offer a variety of benefits, which is why they have become so popular. Living trusts allow your estate to avoid probate. By doing so you avoid the costs associated with having a will probated, but you also avoid the delay associated with probate. It can take months for a last will to be probated, but when you create a living trust, ...

What is a living trust?

A living trust is a document that allows you to place assets into a trust during your lifetime. You continue to use the assets, but they are owned in the name of the trust. You name a trustee who is responsible for managing and protecting the assets in the trust. After your death, the assets in the trust are distributed to ...

Can you name yourself as trustee of a trust?

You can choose anyone or even a corporation as your trustee if you prefer. If you name yourself, you will need to name a successor trustee who can step up to manage the trust after your death.

What is a revocable trust?

A revocable trust (one that can be altered during your lifetime) does not avoid estate taxes that are applied by your state or the federal government. A special kind of living trust called an AB trust passes assets directly from one spouse to another and avoids estate tax. Living trusts do not pass through probate, ...

Do you need a power of attorney for a living trust?

Living trusts have all of your assets already placed in the ownership and management of a trust, so that should you become incapacitated, they are already being handled for you. Most attorneys do recommend you also draw up a power of attorney which will authorize someone else to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf ...

What is a trust after death?

A trust is designed to function during your life and after your death. A will provides for the distribution of all of your assets upon your death. It only provides instructions for what will happen to your assets after you die.