Are you looking for a good family law attorney?
Choosing the best family law attorney is important for you to get the best possible outcome for your family. You need someone to help you understand what you’re going through. The best family lawyer for you can mean a less stressful, less expensive, and less emotional process.
You can go through these seven factors when selecting a family law attorney as soon as possible. Hopefully, you will achieve a favorable outcome in a timely and cost-effective manner.
To choose the best family lawyer, here are some tips to consider:
1. Find a lawyer beforehand
When you are separated from your partner, you may feel confused and anxious about your future. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice about your rights and obligations as soon as possible, even if you and your partner are on good terms or trying to reconcile.
This is because it is likely to have a positive effect on your finances. Another is that it can provide good care arrangements for your children (if any).
It can also empower you to make tough decisions that you’ve been debating for a long time.
Meeting with a family attorney prior to formalizing your property settlement with your spouse will keep you safe.
According to Nick McCabe, Barrister and Solicitor, van Randle & Taylor attorneys and attorneys: “A family law attorney can give you legal advice on the division of property between you and your partner, along with parenting and custody advice. A family attorney can represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.”
2. Check reviews or ask around
Think of your search for the best lawyer the same way you would any other professional: ask friends and relatives. It’s good to ask if they know of any attorneys they can recommend. This way you have proof of good feedback from people you know and trust.
With our divorce rates, it is possible that other people in your extended family or social circle have experience looking for a family law attorney. They may be able to advise you which lawyer to choose. They can even help you ask the right questions.
You don’t have to rely solely on your friends. Other professionals, such as accountants and psychiatrists, often deal with divorce lawyers. If you know someone, they can refer you to lawyers they have worked with before if they think these lawyers are the best fit for you.
3. Choose someone who is an expert in their field
In 2020, 49,510 divorces were filed according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies† This means that a large percentage of the population is going through a divorce. Aside from the divorce process, there are other factors to consider, such as prenuptial agreements, child custody, and property.
Family law is complex and changing, with new laws and policies. A lawyer who deals with different types of law may not be the best choice as he may not have a deep understanding of family law.
This significantly increases the chance that a professional family law attorney who specializes in family and divorce law is the best counsel for you. Meet them to see if they have the capabilities and experience you are looking for.
For example, if you think your case is going to court, you should be sure of your attorney.
4. Are you compatible?
While considering the following:
- the level of competence of your lawyer
- their previous experience
- the results of their previous cases.
Consider how you like their behavior and whether you feel comfortable with their style and approach.
While this is a professional connection, the best family lawyer for you is someone you trust to protect your interests.
If you are dealing with a lawyer who can cause more stress, which means:
- if you think they don’t listen to you
- you feel they don’t treat you with respect
- you feel they are not giving you the advice and information you need to understand your rights.
It might be best to find someone else. There is always this option and possibility.
5. Cost isn’t the only issue
According to ABC News, a lawyer is allowed to charge $300 per hour and more.
On the other hand, you might consider hiring a cheaper lawyer to be practical. However, a lawyer’s fee is not the only factor to consider. There are other deciding factors about which lawyer to hire such as their law degree, the experience they have in years, how difficult their cases are, winning cases, etc.
6. Accessibility
You need to choose a divorce attorney who is accessible to you. This means that they answer your calls or at least call you back quickly. They consistently respond to your emails and text messages.
It’s pretty hard to invest time and money in someone if you don’t think they’re giving your case the attention it requires.
Likewise, it would be difficult to work with a lawyer who is constantly using legal jargon without explaining it to you. Since this is your case, they should explain it in a way that you will understand.
Choosing a family law attorney near you is no longer a top consideration as most communication is now done remotely. You can increase your chances of finding a good family law attorney by expanding your search to a wider area.
7. Make sure you have access to all process options
Family law practice is complex. It is important that you choose a lawyer who can offer you many options and approaches to the solution you are looking for.
Collaborative law, mediation, traditional negotiation and litigation are examples of this.
It is necessary to find a lawyer who will try to settle your dispute out of court as litigating can be expensive. Litigation also takes a lot of time.
On the other hand, collaborative law focuses on a cooperative approach or a dispute settlement.
See what your options are and consider what’s best for you and your family.
To end…
Many going through divorce have no previous experience with legal issues of any kind. Never mind the legal aspects of a divorce.
It can be difficult to know how to find the right person to guide you through the process. Hopefully these tips will help with the initial process. Hope you find the best lawyer you need for your family!
Marshall Thurlow is director and founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd† He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO† website design, content marketing and project management. With over 15 years of experience in government, non-profit and private sector, he is well equipped to lead teams to success. He is a strong believer in environmental sustainability, critical thinking and forward thinking.
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