If you or someone you know is dealing with complex family law matters, it is important for you to know how to find a family lawyer. Family lawyers can help in a variety of different matters. Family law cases can include:
- Divorce and separation
- Property settlements and asset distribution
- Domestic and family violence
- Child custody matters
- Child support and spousal support
- Child care and protection
- Mediation and Arbitration
- Family dispute resolution
- Binding financial agreements or pre-nuptial agreements
- For general court proceedings in family law cases
Since these issues are overly complicated at times – often involving lengthy processes – it is essential that you understand how to find a family lawyer who can help you by providing expert advice in all these matters.
If you are wondering ‘how to find a family lawyer’, you have come to the right place. The aim of this article is to detail a few aspects that should be considered by anyone who is confused about how to find a family lawyer.
Steps On How To Find A Family Lawyer
1 – A Thorough Search
It is not unusual for people to look something up on Google and go ahead with the first search result that Google returns. While this may be an effective method for general matters, it is better not to jump onto the first result when finding a family lawyer for your personal matters.
It is important to do a thorough search, and explore many family law websites before coming to your decision. When exploring websites, take into consideration the expertise of the firm, the prices they charge, and information on the various cases that the firm has previously dealt with.
2- Do Your Search Early On
As mentioned above, it is not wise to go with the very first result that you find. To ensure that you do a thorough search, you also need to give ample time to complete your search properly. This means that you need to start looking for a family lawyer early on.
This is also because in many cases, the legal procedures often have certain important timelines and deadlines associated with them. When dealing with a stressful situation, like a divorce, you might be frantic about finding a lawyer, and end up going with the very first one you find.
Although you have to be quick, you also need to be thorough. This is why it is recommended that you start your search early on. Remember, you need to find a professional family lawyer who is well-versed with the legal procedures, and also understands your needs well.
3 – Rely on reviews
When you shortlist some family lawyers, or family law firms, ensure that you look them up to see what other people who sought the same service as you are saying about their work.
Reviews give you clear idea of how the family lawyer handled their case, as you can expect something similar. Apart from looking up the reviews yourself, you can also rely on word of mouth. Ask around among your social circle and seek their opinion and advice.
4 – Specialist Family Lawyers
When asking how to find a family lawyer, as a rule of thumb it’s important to remember that you should be looking for specialist family lawyers. For instance, if you need assistance with a child custody matter, and you end up going to a family lawyer who is an expert on domestic violence matters, you will still be getting a good service – but this won’t be the best.
Narrow your search by considering what your specific family law issue is. For instance, if you need a family lawyer to help you with dispute resolution, seek the help of award-winning mediators and high-quality mediation services.
5 – Have A Meeting With Your Lawyer
By meeting the family lawyer, and/or talking to the family lawyer, you will have a clear idea of their values and principles. Many a times people are more comfortable working with others whose values are aligned with theirs.
In dealing with family matters, this is important as you need to clearly express what your wishes are, and what your desired outcomes are. You and your family lawyer need to be on the same page at all times. This ensures a smooth and stress-free legal process.
6 – Are You And Your Lawyer Compatible?
Family law cases lead to anxiety and stress. At such times you need an expert who is compatible with you, and who respects your wishes and acts on your behalf.
If you feel you are not comfortable meeting with and speaking to your lawyer – it is clear that they are not the right lawyer for you. Make sure that your family lawyer makes you feel comfortable and pays attention to your legal needs.
7 – Red Flags
Your search on how to find a family lawyer does not end when you meet your lawyer. You also need to be alert and critical about your family lawyer’s professional behaviour. A family lawyer must act ethically, and with utmost diligence. If your family lawyer fails to provide the right information to you, or provide any necessary updates, they are being negligent.
Similarly, if your family lawyer talks very casually about other cases he/she is dealing with, that is a major red flag which reflects a complete lack of ethical responsibility on their part.
8 – Financial Aspect
This is, of course, an important consideration as any family law matter brings with it a huge amount of expenses. When choosing your lawyer, make sure you are aware of the legal costs.
Hiring family lawyers with fixed-fee pricing is more reliable as this shows that they are not commercially-oriented, but rather are more concerned about your legal expenses.
JB Solicitors: Your Trusted Family Law Firm
This article provides an overview on how to find a family lawyer. The above steps must be taken into consideration when making any decisions.
At JB Solicitors, our family lawyers have a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of family law matters including – divorce and separation, high net worth divorce and property settlement, contesting Wills, and mediation.
Still confused about how to find a family lawyer? No problem. Contact our experienced and friendly family lawyers today to gain some insights on the same.
