5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Family Law Attorney
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Going through a divorce is never easy, and that’s where you need a family law attorney by your side. But choosing the right one isn’t as simple as it sounds; there are a lot of factors at play. Who should you choose? How would they handle your case? How much will they charge you? Are they qualified to advise you on your divorce issues?
It can be challenging to pick the right one when you’re in a vulnerable state, but if you ask yourself the right questions, you’ll be more likely to find the right person for you. Below is a list of 5 questions to ask your potential family law attorney before your court date.
1. What Does Your Experience Look Like as a Family Law Attorney?
A family law attorney can help you navigate the many issues that arise during a divorce or other family law matter. While there are many family law attorneys out there, it’s essential to find an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours.
For example, if you’re going through a high-asset divorce, you’ll want to find an attorney who has dealt with high-asset divorces before. If your case involves international custody issues, it can be helpful to see an attorney that has had experience with that issue.
2. Do You Prefer to Mediate or Negotiate During Court Proceedings?
There are many different ways to approach a family law case. An attorney that prefers to negotiate in the courtroom may not be the right option if you have a contentious or highly emotional divorce or custody case. A passive attorney may also not be the right choice if you have a spouse who is highly combative and uncooperative.
Another way to learn more about the type of family law attorney you need is to consider your goals and needs for the case. Do you want a more aggressive attorney willing to fight for your rights? Are you looking for a quicker solution to your issue? If so, then choose an aggressive lawyer willing to take action immediately. This can also help avoid delays with your case because the attorney will prepare for any upcoming hearings or trials.
3. What is Your View on Sole Custody vs. Joint Custody?
As a parent, your top priority during a divorce is determining the best arrangement for your children. Unfortunately, the court may not see it that way. Judges base their ruling off of the the child’s best interest, but this does not mean that they always do. To secure the custody and visitation arrangement you desire for your child, you need to work with an experienced family law attorney willing to fight for your rights in court.
The first question you should ask any lawyer is, “What is your view on sole custody vs. joint custody?” The answer to this question will help you determine if the attorney’s views will align with yours. If a lawyer does not support joint custody, but you do, it may be in your best interest to find another attorney.
4. What is Your Strategy for My Case?
One of the most important things you should find out from an attorney is how they will go about handling your case. Do they have a strategy in mind? If so, what is it? You need to know that the attorney you choose is not only experienced and knowledgeable but also has a plan for helping you get the results you want.
Ask your lawyer if they plan to use a private investigator, experts, or other professionals when handling your case. Private investigators can help build evidence and gather facts, while experts can be called upon to testify on your behalf. The more professionals involved in your case, the better chance you have of getting what you deserve.
5. How Do I Contact You and Vice Versa?
You should feel free to contact your lawyer whenever you have a question or concern. Your lawyer should routinely inform you of any developments in your case and should promptly return all phone calls and emails. If you have trouble getting in touch with your lawyer, or they won’t respond to your questions, consider looking for another attorney.
If you don’t hear back from your attorney within a few days, try calling again. It’s essential to keep track of the dates of required court filings and deadlines, so be sure to ask for copies of papers filed in court if your attorney doesn’t send them to you automatically.
Family Law Attorney: Conclusion
When you’re ready to start the divorce process, a family law attorney can help. The best way to find a good one is to begin by asking these five questions. By doing so, you can be more confident in your search and better prepared to make the big decisions that lie ahead.
At Koleilat Law, we understand that these are challenging times for you and your family. Our family law attorneys are here to help you every step of the way and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.