Questions to Ask When Searching for a Family Law Attorney

Across the U.S., nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce, so it’s not surprising that family law attorneys are in high demand. While California’s divorce rate isn’t amongst the highest in the U.S., a substantial number of people experience the dissolution of a marriage at some time in their lives. 

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What’s more, an even higher number of people require the help of a family lawyer for a range of other services, such as annulment, prenups and post-nuptial agreements. However, knowing where to find the right lawyer isn’t always easy. To help you get started, take a look at these five questions to ask when searching for a family law attorney:

1. Are You a Family Law Specialist?

Some attorneys work across a number of areas but choosing a lawyer who specializes in family law can be advantageous. As well as being up to date with relevant case law, their professional experience will ensure they are well-placed to provide you with the best level of representation. 

2. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?

Whether you’re separating from your partner, trying to arrange custody of your children or planning a property division, you’ll want to know how your case could play out and what the possible options are. While an attorney will need sufficient information to be able to provide detailed advice, they should be able to give you an idea of possible outcomes at an early stage. 

3. How Long Will This Take?

Many people are eager to resolve legal matters as quickly as possible but it’s not unusual for them to drag on for months or years. Ask your family law attorney how long they expect the case to last and get an idea of how much time they’ll be devoting to your case. A lawyer with a high case load may take longer to resolve your case, for example. 

4. How Often Will We Communicate?

Knowing what to expect from your family law attorney will make things easier going forward. There’s nothing worse than waiting for someone to call, so setting out a communication strategy will ensure you know when to expect to hear from your legal team. Similarly, confirm whether you’ll liaise via the phone, in person or via email and who your main point of contact will be. 

5. What Are the Fees Involved?

It’s important to understand how much you’re likely to be paying in legal and court fees, depending on what instructions you give your lawyer. A contentious divorce typically results in much higher costs than an amicable dissolution of a marriage, for example. Once you’ve outlined your needs and the situation, your attorney should be able to give you an idea of how much your case is likely to cost to resolve. 

Getting Legal Advice from a Family Law Attorney

While divorce rates might be declining, an increasing number of people are making sure their interests are protected by getting prenups before a marriage, so there are many reasons why you might want to consult a family law attorney. Whatever your query or issue, it’s vital to find a lawyer who can provide the specialist advice and representation you need.

With these five questions, you can begin finding the best family law attorney for your needs and take a step closer to finalizing your legal matter.