Choosing a family law attorney is a significant choice. Depending on the type of case, you may be working with this individual for months or even years, and their work on your behalf may have repercussions in your life long after the case is completed. Therefore, it is important to take care with the process of choosing an attorney.
The first thing you should look for is an attorney that is experienced in the family law area. As you can see throughout this site, family law matters can be complicated and you want to be represented by an attorney who is familiar with the various statutes and is an experienced advocate. Because the courts are invested with a tremendous amount of discretion, have a voice the court is used to hearing from can make for a more effective presentation of your case.
The next thing you should look for is an attorney who will take the time to explain the law to you. As much information as there is, both on this site and elsewhere online, most people have a hard time understanding the law and how the multiple different factors may play in your case. A good attorney will take the time to make sure you understand the law, so that you can make an informed and educated decision about how to proceed with your case. It is your life and your case, and you need to be the one making the decisions about how your case is handled.
One warning sign when you're meeting with potential attorneys is if you are never told no and are told that everything you want to have happen will happen. There are very very few cases where you are going to get absolutely everything you want, in exactly the way that you want it. There's just not that many situations where all of the factors favor your position and the other party is completely unreasonable in their position. It is especially concerning if you're given any guarantees. A family law attorney that makes guarantees is one that is either inexperienced or is giving you a sales pitch, knowing that when things don't go your way, they are going to blame the judge, the other attorney, the other party, or you.
If you can, take your time and try to speak with several attorneys. Depending on the attorney, you'll get a chance to hear some of what each of those attorneys thinks about your case. You'll at least get a first impression to tell you if this individual is in fact knowledgable about the law and is willing to invest the time to explain the law to you. Take some notes about the attorneys and review those notes before you make your decision.
A final word about price. You'll note that theres been no discussion up to this point about price, even though for most people, it is one of their chief concerns with hiring an attorney. The fact is, litigating a family law case will be expensive, no matter who you hire. Making your decision based upon who will allow you to pay the smallest retainer only ensures that you will be represented by someone who is running a volume practice where you are simply a cog in their machine. On the other hand, hiring the person who quotes you the highest retainer or highest hourly rate doesn't guarantee anything except that you'll be paying more than you otherwise would have. Decide on the attorney that you want to work with, and then figure out how you're going to pay for their services. Contact us online or by calling 217-641-2807.