Choosing a Family Lawyer

Many times, people don’t think about needing a family lawyer until the situation is out of hand. When you’re looking for an attorney, you may be under pressure and financially strapped, so it’s important to make sure you choose wisely so that you don’t waste time or money while going through the legal process. Here are some tips to help you pick a good attorney for your family.

Before you start to make calls to a lawyer, know what you want. A divorce that can be mediated is much different than one where you’re facing domestic violence or a long custody battle. Determine your own circumstances so that you are not heavily influenced by the expertise of your attorney. Have a list of your priorities to see how the attorney will fit in with your goals.

You need to be realistic with your attorney. Your lawyer is not your therapist or coach. They are there to direct you through the legal process. Make sure that you can work with your attorney on that level. You are paying them for their legal expertise, not for them to be your sounding board about your anger. Use your money wisely.

Choose an attorney with whom you can be perfectly honest and up front. You may have things that are embarrassing to discuss, but you have to let them know so that they can prepare. Your attorney is not there to judge, but to protect your interests, and that of your children.

Make sure that your attorney matches your goals. Sure, the goal might be a divorce. However, if you want to mediate the settlement instead of litigate, your attorney needs to be on board. They should also be focused on gaining what’s important to you and not using your children as weapons. Good attorneys listen to their clients, and make sure that their wishes are respected.

When selecting your family attorney, make sure that they don’t make promises. The law is capricious, and while many attorneys have a lot of success, they cannot guarantee the outcome. During your consultation, watch how they interact with you. If they take calls or seem distracted, it is a bad sign. You want them to be respectful of your time, just as they expect you to be respectful of theirs.

The right family lawyer makes all the difference in your legal proceedings. Take the time to interview your selection before signing a contract to ensure that you can work with them towards creating a better future. To learn more about choosing a family law attorney in La Quinta, click here.