how to find a good family lawyer

How to Find a Good Family Law Attorney.

• 1. Determine whether you need a family-law attorney. The first step in finding the right attorney is realizing that you need one. You also need to ...
• 2. Determine the venue. Normally you will bring a legal case in the county where both parties live or in the county in which the opposing party lives.
• 3. Search for a family-law attorney in the county where you will file your case. Begin making a list of possible attorneys as soon as you have made ...
• 4. Do some research. Some simple online research can serve as a background check of sorts and provide a wealth of information about some of the ...

Full Answer

How do you become a family law attorney?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

Why do you need a family lawyer?

Mar 11, 2022 · You can find a lawyer through your local bar association, or if you are eligible, through free legal service programs. Before you sign a retainer agreement with a lawyer, you should review the Statement of Client’s Rights and Responsibilities.

How to become a family attorney?

Sep 04, 2020 · Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find. You can also ask a lawyer you know and trust, even if they don’t practice in the area of law in which you need l egal help.

What is the cost of a family lawyer?

Jul 01, 2021 · 1. Determine what type of attorney you need. It is always preferable to locate an attorney who has specialized expertise in the practice area that your case involves (e.g., malpractice law, bankruptcy law, etc.). It’s also a good idea to find attorney familiar with the courts and laws of the area where you live.

How do I choose a good family lawyer?

Remember that family law advice is the most emotionally charged legal area; Therefore, make sure that you choose a lawyer who not only displays sensitivity to many personal concerns but also believes that your lawyer's role is to properly represent you throughout the legal process.Nov 2, 2020

What should you consider when hiring a lawyer?

Things to Consider When Hiring a LawyerThe Firm/Lawyer's Specialty in the Areas of Law You Need.Years of Experience & Success.The Firm's Resources at Your Disposal.The Lawyers Communication with You to Make Sure You Know Whats Going On, and.Comfort Level when Speaking with the Lawyer and the Firm's Team.

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

How do you ask a lawyer for help?

How to Ask Another Attorney for HelpStep 1: Know What You Need To Ask. It is best to determine how much help you need before picking up the phone. ... Step 2: Be Respectful of Their Time and Schedule.Step 3: Respect Their Advice.

Expert Q&A

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Tips

It is fine to let attorneys know during the initial consultation that you are interviewing other candidates for your case. Attorneys expect that potential clients are interviewing other attorneys, and appreciate your honesty about it.

Warnings

If your case is settled out of court and you are entitled to money, your attorney cannot refuse to pay you what you’re owed.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 78,149 times.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

Can you be incarcerated for six months?

If you are accused of a crime, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, either the judge hearing the case will appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government’s public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.

How to find a lawyer for a lawsuit?

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates -- $150 to $450 an hour -- you'd quickly empty your bank account.

What is Nolo lawyer directory?

Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

What can a law librarian do?

A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Do lawyers work with you?

Fortunately, many lawyers will work with you to help you acquire a good working knowledge of the legal principles and procedures you need to deal with your problem at least partly on your own. If you are hoping to represent yourself and use a lawyer only for advice, make sure the lawyer is open to that type of set-up.

Tap Your Network

Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find.

Do Some Research

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Now that you have some attorney options, it’s time to choose. To get you started, here’s a list of questions to ask an attorney before hiring them:

More Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

What is hourly rate in law?

Lawyers charging an hourly rate “bill” hours and then charge the client for the amount of hours worked on the client’s matter. Usually, hourly rates are used by businesses and corporations who may be involved in litigation. Additionally, individuals may be charged hourly rates for long or complicated litigation. ...

What is an engagement letter?

This is a contract between you and your attorney that defines the nature of the legal engagement you are involved in, and the conditions and terms of your agreement with your attorney.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

What is a court appointed attorney?

A court-appointed attorney will serve to represent the single parent, in the same way as a paid attorney. The county family court will maintain a network of pro bono attorneys to assist with child custody cases.

What to do if your child custody agreement is not effective?

If the agreement between you and your attorney is no longer effective or does not meet your needs, release the attorney from his or her duties and begin a new search for a new child custody attorney.

Who is Debrina Washington?

Debrina Washington is a New York-based family law attorney and writer , who runs her own virtual practice to assist single parents with legal issues. Learn about our editorial process. Debrina Washington. Fact checked by. Fact checked by Cara Lustik on September 06, 2020. linkedin.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are also important partners in situations that don’t involve the courtroom, advising clients about their legal rights and obligations for personal or business issues. They are trained to interpret complicated systems of laws and navigate the court system.

What is retainer fee?

Retainer Fee: A retainer fee is an advance payment to an attorney towards the hourly rate in a specific case. Your attorney will place the retainer fee into an account, and deduct money as work on your case progresses. These are usually non-refundable if you choose to terminate the case early.

Stolar & Associates

You & Your Family Are Worth Protecting. Over 35 years experience helping clients with their Family Law Disputes. Call Today!

Ryan E. Stearns

Assisting Los Angeles-Long Beach Metro clients with their Family Law needs.

Keith F. Simpson, Attorney At Law

The Law Offices of Keith F. Simpson is willing to do what it takes to get your family law concerns taken care of. Call us today!

Law Offices of Korol & Velen

Certified Specialists in Family Law. Call us for a FREE initial consultation.

Need help with a Family Law matter in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles family lawyers help with your divorce, spousal support, child custody, or other family law legal matters.

Need An Attorney In Los Angeles, California?

FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys. Browse more than one million law firm and attorney listings, covering all types of legal issues that affect families.

Want to check lawyer discipline?

It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:

How to Find The Right Lawyer

See all 8 steps on www.wikihow.com

Consider A Specialist

Interview The Prospective Lawyers

Further Resources

• Locating a good lawyer who can efficiently help with your particular problem may not be easy. Don't expect to locate a good lawyer by simply looking in the phone book or reading an advertisement. There's not enough information in these sources to help you make a valid judgment.

See more on nolo.com