If you are facing a divorce, custody battle or planning an adoption, you will need a good family lawyer to get you through the process. Family law is a sensitive issue, and therefore you need a lawyer who can walk you through and ease the process for you and your family. How should you look for a family lawyer?
- Research
You need to be patient and thorough so you can find the perfect family lawyer for your case. As with anything, a good way to start is to ask family and friends for referral. You may know someone who may have gone through a divorce or a custody battle. Ask them about their experiences. You can also go online and search for lawyers who specialize in family law. Look for testimonials about the particular lawyer. You can also check the local bar association for board certified lawyers.
- Preliminary consultation
The best way to know someone is by talking to them in person. Set up a preliminary consultation so you can get to know your lawyer well. Your initial encounter will reveal a lot about the personality of your lawyer. It is best to trust your gut feeling. You need to be able to trust your lawyer because you will be divulging sensitive information about your family. Since you will be working with your lawyer for a significant amount of time, your personalities must also be compatible.
- Experience
Check your lawyer’s working experience. Has he/she handled many cases similar to yours? Although a lot of lawyers know the law in and out, nothing beats a long, working experience as a specialist and you should take that into account.
- Budget
Ask your lawyer on your first encounter on how he/ she bills his client. Some lawyers bill on an hourly basis while some ask for a flat fee. Choose a lawyer who is willing to work around your budget.
- Resources
While experience and knowledge are paramount in handling and winning cases, resources like an office complete with the latest technology and a staff will make both his/her job more efficient and your lives throughout the process easier.
- Reputation
Check your lawyer’s reputation by looking at past client reviews. What is your lawyer’s personality and style in court? Knowing these things will help you trust your lawyer more and feel more secure about your case.
Do not rush into your decision of hiring a family lawyer. Do research and hire someone whom you think will be perfect for your case. Contact a reliable family lawyer now.
Written by Kellie Bertels, an attorney at Bandre, Hunt and Snider in Jefferson City, MO. Bandre, Hunt and Snider are the best attorneys Jefferson City MO have to offer.