How to Decide on a Family Law Attorney
Your family law attorney is not someone you should choose lightly — literally, the future of your domestic life hinges on their ability to guide you through some of the most emotionally, financial, and mentally taxing moments of your life. A bad lawyer, and you could end up with very little by way of money, no time with your kids, and paying tour spouse for the privilege of leaving you. A good one will focus on an equitable result (not necessarily one that favors you at the expense of your ex!)
But how do you know the difference?
Simple: you interview them, just like you would interview a candidate for a job. Ask them questions, record their answers, and then assess how you feel. Here’s an example:
Questions to Ask a Prospective Family Lawyer
- How many years have you practiced family law for?
- What is your approach to a case like mine? How many cases like mine have you had?
- What percentage of cases do you settle? What percentage end up going through arbitration or mediation? What percentage go to court?
- Which of the above is your preferred approach to resolving a case?
- How much of a retainer do you require up front?
- Will you refund any unused portion of that retainer?
- Who in your firm will work on my case and how much will I pay for their time?
- Can I meet that person and chat with them?
Obviously, this is a very generic, very short list, but it bring the point home: in order to determine whether or not you want that particular family lawyer, you need to know what you expect from them. But just as importantly as asking the questions and getting the answers, you should also, as soon as your back in your car after the interview is over, get out a pen and paper and write does things down:
- Did you feel you could easily share intimate details with this attorney?
- Were they intimidating?
- Were they a good listener, or did they spend the entire time singing their own praises?
- Did you feel as though this attorney was able to conceive of a clear ‘game plan’?
- Did they tell you anything you did not want to hear?
Interestingly, you want the answer to that last question to be a great big YES: family law, be it divorce, child custody, or something else entirely, is a minefield of uncomfortable truths. If your lawyer can’t look you in the eye and tell you that something is going to be a royal pain in the petard, you need a different lawyer.
Other than that last one, the questions are all there to help you figure out how you feel about the attorney in question — because if you’re not comfortable with a family lawyer (moreso than any other kind!), you need a new family lawyer. Call Gucciardo Family Law today!
Too much information?
We focus exclusively on family law matters so we are always available to answer your questions and help.
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