When you want a divorce, to adopt a child, or want to file for custody, choosing the right family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You want someone who’s going to understand your needs and help you get through this difficult time as quickly and smoothly as possible.
But with so many lawyers out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some tips on how to choose the right one.
Ask Questions
To find the right attorney for you, it’s important to research their background and experience. Ask questions such as
- What are the attorney’s qualifications?
- How long has the attorney been practicing family law?
- How many cases have they handled?
When you are considering hiring a family law attorney, it’s important to choose someone who is experienced in the field and has handled similar cases. The more experience an attorney has with family law, the more likely they will be able to help you obtain a positive outcome for your situation.
Consider How Comfortable You Feel Communicating
The most important thing when choosing a Chicago family lawyer is to find someone who makes you feel at ease and can offer the right advice. If you’re not comfortable discussing your situation with an attorney, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.
It’s also important that your lawyer listens to what you have to say and explains things in a way that makes sense to your situation.
Ensure That the Attorney’s Schedule Works for You
The right attorney will know all of the information you need to make an informed decision. To find out whether they’re right for you, ask them about their schedule. How often do they meet with clients in person? Can they meet at a time that works for both of you?
If they have a lot of experience with divorce cases, ask them how many divorces they’ve handled in the past and what percentage of those cases involved children.
Check the Lawyer’s Website and Social Media
When you find a family law attorney, there are still some things you need to do before you go ahead with them. To ensure that this is the right lawyer for you, make sure that their website is up-to-date and professional. Check out how active they are on social media. For example, if they’re not using any social media accounts or they haven’t posted anything in over 6 months, this might not be someone you want to work with.
Also, check out their reviews to understand what others think about working with that lawyer.
Ensure Your Lawyer Explains Everything in Simple Words
As you interview family lawyers, make sure to ask about the way they explain things to their clients. This is especially important if you’re unfamiliar with the law or have difficulty understanding legal language. Some lawyers have a habit of using complex words that are hard to understand and seem designed only to impress their competitors.
In contrast, a good family lawyer will explain things in simple words, using examples and analogies that help people (who probably aren’t lawyers themselves) understand exactly what’s going on.
Ask About the Fees
You should also ask about the lawyer’s fees. For example, how much does the attorney charge for a consultation? How much will you pay if you decide to hire them? If a divorce is involved, how much does it cost to file for divorce and what are any other additional costs?
These are important questions because they affect financial planning. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on lawyers when it could have been avoided with proper financial planning.
Get Recommendations
A good referral can save you time and money. The best way to find a lawyer is by asking people you know and trust. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers if they have any recommendations for family lawyers in your area.
If none of your personal contacts can recommend someone, try searching online for lawyers in your area who specialize in family law cases and see what comes up. If several names seem promising based on their listings (e.g. practice areas), consider contacting each one to see which attorneys seem like a good fit for your needs.
The right attorney can make all the difference in your family law case, so it’s important to take the time to find a family law attorney who understands how to handle your specific situation. Double-check our blog and make the right choice.