What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney
It’s hard to underestimate the importance of having the right family law attorney to assist you with your divorce, child custody, and asset division.
You want someone who listens to you and someone you can trust. You want an understanding and compassionate attorney, yet one who’s not afraid to fight for you in court.
The best lawyer will make your legal proceedings feel less stressful and help the process go smoother, and may even affect the outcome of your divorce. How can you find a lawyer who meets all these qualities? Here’s what to look for in a family law attorney.
Find An Attorney You Feel Comfortable With
Finding an attorney you can communicate with and feel comfortable with is essential, as you may need to disclose sensitive information to your attorney.
Communication is not only going to help them do their job, but ease your mind when it comes to divorce proceedings. Your lawyer should explain things in a way you understand, and you should be able to get in touch with them and speak with them directly, not just an associate or a secretary.
At the same time, have realistic expectations—remember that your attorney’s job is to represent you in legal matters, not to be your therapist or friend.
Evaluate Family Law Experience
Don’t hire an attorney you’re familiar with in lieu of finding an experienced family law attorney. You need an attorney with experience and a focus on family law who has handled not just one case like yours, but dozens.
With the right experience, you have a better chance to secure your best outcome in the case. However, be wary of attorneys who make guarantees—no one can guarantee the outcome of a given case.
You want an attorney that’s experienced in both negotiations and in the court room. Ask them about their experiences with cases like yours, and pay attention to their responses. The right attorney will be honest, respectful, and focused.
Don’t Forget the Details
When it comes down to it, you need to make sure you and your attorney are going to work well together. Most lawyers offer free consultations so you can meet in person to see if you’re a good fit, and you can evaluate important details such as:
- What to expect as far as their communication—will they be in touch regularly?
- Whether or not the attorney you interview will be the actual person handling your case.
- Whether it’s easy to get in touch with the lawyer or if you’ve only spoken to an associate or a secretary so far.
- What their rates are to be sure you can afford their services.
It’s important to meet with at least two to three potential attorneys in the area so you can find the one that you feel fits your needs the best.
Finding the Right Family Law Attorney For You
Working with the right family law attorney can make all the difference in your case. Do your research and begin contacting family lawyers in the area to find your best match!
At Harden Law, we’re here to meet with you to see how we can move forward together. Call us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys in the Fort Mill, SC area at (803) 820-0048.
