A family law attorney is a helpful resource when it comes to legal matters related to family events. These attorneys handle a variety of legal cases involving marriage, minor children, and elderly parents. Some law firms specialize in a specific field of law, while others represent all types of cases.
Careful consideration should be given to the selection of a family law attorney. This is particularly important when hiring attorneys to represent minor children or establish guardianship for parents with conditions that limit mental abilities, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
It may be beneficial to check with three or more law firms to meet the attorneys and staff members face-to-face. Clients often spend considerable time with legal advisors, so it can be helpful to work with an attorney whose personality makes them feel comfortable.
Taking the time to interview candidates can help clients select the most appropriate attorney for the task at hand. You can also minimize the potential for changing attorneys in the middle of a case.
There are many options available to find a good attorney. Many people get referrals from family and friends. Others use lawyer referral networks or conduct research online. Some use phone directories.
A common mistake people make is selecting attorneys based on the size of their ad in the phone book. It’s important to realize that big ads don’t necessarily equate to being the best lawyer.
One option to reduce the time spent searching for a suitable law firm is the American Bar Association. Although the ABA does not provide direct referrals, it does post a list of attorneys from across the country in good standing with the organization on AmericanBar.org.
Lawyer referral networks are another option for locating family law attorneys. Some referral networks charge a fee, while others offer complementary services. It is seldom necessary to pay someone to help locate attorneys, so proceed with caution when evaluating fees.
Once 3 or 4 law firms have been located, it is time to set up an initial consultation. Law firms often provide free meet-and-greet sessions, but some charge a nominal fee. Be sure to determine the rates before making the appointment.
Ask to meet with all staff members who will be working on the case. It is common practice for attorneys to enlist the help of paralegals and administrative assistants to reduce legal fees. Clients must feel comfortable with all staff members, but especially with those with whom they will work closely.
It is important to establish legal fees before hiring law firms. Legal fees are generally based on the type of case involved. One-time events, such as drafting prenuptial agreements or filing legal name changes, are typically billed at a flat rate. Ongoing cases that require brief appearances or an extensive investigation are typically billed at an hourly rate.
Most attorneys require an upfront retainer fee to represent ongoing cases. This fee is usually around 25 percent of the advance fees. Attorneys often require payment in full when services are rendered, while others send monthly invoices.
Clients requiring payment plans should discuss the terms in advance to ensure timely access to legal counsel. It is crucial to keep up with payments; otherwise, attorneys may refuse to provide legal advice.
One way to reduce legal expenses is to always be organized and prepared for meetings. It is helpful to keep case documents organized in a dedicated file folder. Always keep a record of phone conversations, face-to-face meetings, and email correspondence with the family law attorney and staff, and keep copies of all documents related to the case.