what to ask potential family law lawyer

^{For this reason, it is wise to ask your potential family lawyer the following questions:}

1. “How long have you practiced family law?” This is one of the most important questions to ask your family lawyer. ...
2. “How many cases like mine have you handled?” When asked, many family lawyers will reply with a large number. ...
3. “Generally, how long does it take for you to respond to phone calls and emails?” It is important to be aware of the time it may take between calling ...
4. “Will anyone else be working on my case? Are they experienced?” Many family lawyers will have a team when working on complex cases, such as support associates and paralegals. ...
5. “How do you charge clients? Can you provide me with an estimate for my case?”

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What questions should I ask when hiring a family law attorney?

If that transmittal is outdated or not secure, you should ask yourself about that attorney or law office's sophistication and technology and security. 1. How will you keep my file secure? The family law firm you intend to hire should have a system in place to keep their clients' files secure.

How do family law attorneys communicate with clients?

The better family law attorneys communicate in various ways, as the client's needs change. Sometimes, a short email is efficient and sufficient. Sometimes, the situation may call for an extensive in-person meeting. You also have everything in between those extremes. An attorney should customize the communication based on its nature and extent.

What questions should I ask my child custody attorney?

If you have a question about a specific aspect of child custody such as move away requests, ask the attorney what California law states about move away requests. Whatever is on your mind should be in the form of a question to your attorney regarding California family law.

Why hire a family lawyer?

They bring all their resources, knowledge and relationships to represent their clients and choosing a firm to fight for your family is one of the most important... - J.F. "I had case with my ex wife who I divorced 15 years ago.

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

6 Questions To Ask Before You Hire A LawyerWhat's Your Experience? ... What Percentage Of Your Practice Is Dedicated To This Area Of Law? ... What Will This Cost? ... Can You Charge Me A Flat-Rate Fee? ... Where's My Contract? ... Can I Avoid Going To Court?

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

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...•

What questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

Questions you might ask your lawyerDo I have a problem that can be resolved by law?What legal risks am I facing?What documents do I need to support my case?Do I need statements from witnesses?What are my options for resolving the dispute out of court?How can I settle the case?More items...

How do I prepare for my first meeting with a lawyer?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

What questions should I ask my lawyer mentor?

Questions to Ask Your Mentor How is what I am learning in school different from what it will be like practicing? How did you become a [insert practice area] attorney? What is a typical work day like for you? What types of cases/projects are you currently working on?

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following: “How do you like being a judge?” “How did you decide to become a judge?” “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”

Can you wear jeans to meet with a lawyer?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top.

What is it called when you meet with a lawyer for the first time?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.

What documents do I need to prepare a lawyer?

Drafting Legal Documents: How to Keep It SimplePlan Out the Document Before You Begin. ... Write with Clear and Concise Language. ... Ensure the Correct Use of Grammar. ... Be as Accurate as Possible. ... Make Information Accessible. ... Ensure All Necessary Information Is Included. ... Always Use an Active Voice. ... Pay Attention to Imperatives.More items...

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

What should a lawyer review with their clients before trial?

Every lawyer should review with their clients the possibility of a negotiated resolution prior to trial. In criminal matters, for example, you may be able to get a good plea bargain. In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation, a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party.

How to discuss case strategy?

In discussing case strategy, your lawyer should give you an estimate of how much time it will take to get to a resolution. Keep in mind that your lawyer does not control the pace of the process and cannot make any promises about when it will be over.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

1. How long have you practiced law?

At a minimum, you'll want to know about the lawyer's expertise and whether the lawyer is a veteran or beginner attorney, for instance. Your legal issue may very well be handled by someone who is fresh out of law school, (or not). It all depends.

2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?

You'll also want to know about a lawyer's expertise and how much of the attorney's practice is devoted to topic area your legal issue falls within. For example, if you need help with an adoption case, you may wish to seek a family law lawyer who has worked on, well, adoption cases. Click here for a full list of practice area definitions.

3. Who is your typical client?

This is an important, but often-overlooked question. For example, if you are an individual with a particular legal problem, but the attorney your meeting with represents only corporations, this may not be the best lawyer for you. Likewise, you may wish to know the financial background of some of the lawyer's clients.

4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?

Now is not the time to act shy. Feel free to ask about the attorney's track record, such as the number of cases won or settled, for example.

5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply in my situation?

Some cases, like DUI and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. Be sure to inquire whether your case fits into that category.

6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs

This step is obviously an important one. You'll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer's services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.

7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?

This can be important in two ways. First, if you are seeking an amicable divorce, for example, but the attorney is known to "go for the kill" in divorce cases, the attorney may not be the right one for you.

How long does it take to get a divorce lawyer to respond?

For many people, having a lawyer respond to them within 24 hours is ideal. For you, weekly communication may be enough.

Is an aggressive attorney good for divorce?

After all, if you’d like to divorce your spouse in the most amicable manner possible, an aggressive attorney might not be a good fit for you .

Have They Handled Similar Cases?

One of the first things people should ask their potential lawyer is what type of experience they have. Family law attorneys handle several different types of cases. For this reason, individuals must ensure that a law firm has at least some familiarity with the kind of case at hand. After all, no two court cases were created equally.

Any Obvious Problems?

After someone has asked the team about their experience, they should explain their case to the lawyers. The more detail a person goes into, the better. Individuals should not leave any information out while explaining their situation because attorneys need to know how to help them.

How Do They Interact With Clients?

Another question to ask before hiring a family law lawyer is, how do they support their clients? For example, a person should start by asking how frequently they communicate with their clientele.

What About Approach?

Everyone should know that not all court cases are the same—every law firm handles things differently. As a result, individuals should inquire about a firm’s approach during the initial meeting. Some firms, for example, are less aggressive than others.

What Documents Do They Need?

Finally, a person looking for a family law attorney should ask them what documentation they need. In a divorce, for example, lawyers will likely want to see all communication between the former spouses. In child abuse cases, a law firm will need evidence that harm was brought upon the child.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney leads as your advocate through a divorce, child custody issues, < href="https://www.goldenkeylawgroup.com/7-reasons-why-you-need-to-hire-a-paternity-lawyer/">paternity issues, and more.

Do attorneys give advice?

Typically, most attorneys will not give specific legal advice before you hire them, but they can let you know how they will approach the case. Strategies will differ from case to case depending on the situation, whether you need legal assistance with paternity, divorce, child custody, child support, or other family law needs.

What is the impact of family law?

Family law matters pertaining to divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and related issues have the potential to impact your life for years to come. The quality of your legal representation will typically determine whether that impact is positive or negative.

Do attorneys offer free consultations?

Many attorneys throughout the United States offer free or reasonably priced consultations with prospective clients. Take time to research potential attorneys in your area, narrowing your list of prospects down to the few that have the best reviews from past clients. Check their own websites as well as third-party review sites for the most holistic view of your options.

Have you handled other cases like mine?

Don’t accept an answer of just a number. Ask them about specific details of cases that are similar to your circumstances. If spousal support is what worries you most or if you are worried about the future of your children, you need to be reassured that they have successfully handled other cases like yours.

Will you handle my case personally or will you have someone else working on it?

Don’t immediately say no if more than one person will be working on your case. A team of lawyers with the support of paralegals and associates can work more efficiently and may even save you money. Outside consultants might also be part of the team, such as personal investigators or other advisors.

How much will you charge me?

You should not be ashamed to bring up the subject of charges. On the contrary, knowing how much something will cost you from the outset will only work to give you peace of mind and avoid surprises. Ask about specific charges such as court costs, outside consultants, and other expenses.

Now that you know my situation, what will be your approach?

A detailed strategy might not be available at this point for the lawyer to share it with you. However, you do want to get a feeling for how aggressive this lawyer is, or what their approach will be. This answer alone might convince you that this is the lawyer for you or, on the other hand, have you running for the door.

Is my request unreasonable?

You might be feeling anxious, sad, depressed, or highly emotional about what you are about to do, whether it’s a divorce, a custody case, or any other family matter. You may be worried that your decisions might not be the right ones at this time.

Why is it important to ask a divorce attorney about their experience?

First, it will test the divorce attorney's knowledge and experience of the divorce process and divorce law. Second, it will educate you on what specifically the attorney can and will do with you to help mitigate the costs. Do not settle for a generic answer.

What should an attorney explain to you?

The attorney should explain to you the importance of the attorney - client relationship and the privilege in communications. The attorney should explain to you how and why you should not disclose attorney - client communications to any third parties or your spouse. This is a complex topic.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

What happens if an attorney cannot provide references to former clients?

If an attorney cannot provide you with multiple references to former clients, that attorney may not have much success representing clients. The former clients should also be types of cases similar to yours. I am not referring to you going through a divorce and getting a referral to a prior divorce client.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

What happens if an attorney does not have a solid command of the law?

If the attorney does not have a solid command of the law on these issues, he or she may lack the experience you need. This is especially true if you expect your divorce to be contested and high conflict. Questions to ask a divorce attorney on the first visit about the divorce process. 1.

How often do attorneys communicate?

The more complex the case, the more the communication will likely take place. A typical case has communication between one to four times per month.