How to Choose the Best Family Lawyer

Your choice of lawyer during a divorce or another family law case can make all of the difference. You should trust the lawyer representing you to act in your best interests and go above and beyond to achieve the results that you need. Do not take your choice of attorney lightly. Take the following steps to choose the best family lawyer for you and your case. 

Research Your Options

First, do your due diligence in hunting for the right family lawyer for you. Research the options in your city or town and make a list of the attorneys that you find promising. Some of the things that you should look for when creating your list are experience, results, positive testimonials, accreditations, awards or accolades, and a professional feel.

Experience in your practice area is especially important, as this can determine if the attorney has the skill and knowledge to properly handle your case. If you are getting divorced in Colorado, for example, you should find a local attorney with experience representing clients in divorce cases. Search the law firm’s website for a list of its practice areas. Then, ask the firm about its specific experience with your type of case. You should feel confident in your attorney’s ability to handle your case.

Choose a Lawyer, Not a Law Firm

The most important relationship during a family law case is between the lawyer and the client, not the law firm and the client. Make sure the person you are getting to know during your research is the attorney who will be handling your case – not an assistant. Just because the law firm has good reviews and a positive reputation in your community does not mean that the attorney who will be taking your case is the right fit. Do your best to build a rapport with the lawyer who has offered his or her services, not just the law firm in general. This can help you avoid surprises.

Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential family lawyers, schedule a consultation with at least two of them. Meeting with an attorney in person can give you an idea of what they’re really like. Although most family lawyers do not offer free consultations – like personal injury lawyers – meeting with your prospective lawyer can be worth the cost of the case review. 

You can ask all of the questions that you have about your case and receive honest answers. You can also get an idea of how the lawyer treats his or her clients, as well as what the law firm is like in general. If you were passed off to a paralegal or assistant for your consultation, for example, instead of getting to speak directly to an attorney, this could be a sign that the law firm is not a good fit.

Ask Yourself if the Lawyer Is Right for You

Hiring a family lawyer is a personal decision that is ultimately yours to make. Do not choose your lawyer based on a referral from a family or friend alone. It is important to make up your own mind about an attorney after doing your homework. After meeting with a lawyer, ask yourself if you have a good feeling about him or her, and if you believe the lawyer has the ability to successfully handle your case. 

Ask yourself the following questions: Do you and the lawyer share morals and values? Do you agree with the principles of the law firm? Do you think you and the lawyer communicate well? You are the only one who can decide if a family lawyer is right for you. Do not take this decision lightly. Choose a family law attorney in Colorado that has everything that you’re looking for in a legal representative and more.