Are you thinking about hiring a family lawyer? If you are preparing for marriage, need to file for divorce, are starting a child-custody battle, or are creating a domestic partnership, you need a lawyer by your side.
Although you can DIY certain legal issues, taking a chance on your DIY legal skills can be a risk you cannot afford to take. By working with the best family lawyer, you can save time and money while increasing your chances of a favorable result.
However, all lawyers are not created equally. Choose the wrong family lawyer and you could experience poor communication, disrespect, sketchy billing practices, and a lack of competency that negatively affects your outcome.
Fortunately, hiring a great lawyer isn’t a complicated or confusing task. By using a few tips and considering a few factors, you can hire a Chicago Family Attorney who more than helps you will your legal needs.
If you need to hire a family lawyer but aren’t sure where to start, this short and simple guide is for you.
Know What You Need
The first tip for hiring a great lawyer is to know what you need. Family law is extensive and includes several areas of practice. Make sure the lawyers you are considering practice the type of law you need.
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Ask For a Recommendation
A great tip for how to find a lawyer is to ask for a recommendation. Getting a recommendation from a friend or loved one can increase your chances of hiring a good lawyer. If you know of anyone who has worked with a family lawyer, ask for a recommendation.
Perform an Online Search
A helpful way to find local attorneys is to perform a quick internet search. Simply searching “family attorney near me” will bring up a list of attorneys you can consider hiring. This is a great way to compile a short list of attorneys to vet.
Consider Experience and Expertise
Once you know exactly what you need, it’s essential to hire a lawyer with the experience and expertise that is necessary for your goals. You also want a lawyer who can get you a favorable result. When you are vetting the lawyers on your shortlist, make sure you are only choosing those who can help you with your specific needs.
Determine Resources
While you might not think a lawyer’s resources are important, the size of their firm can make or break your case. If you are facing a major corporation in court, you will need a lawyer with the resources to properly present your case. Consider the size of the firm and look for any high-profile cases the attorney has won.
Read Ratings and Reviews
Before you hire a family attorney, it’s important to check their standing in the industry. You are looking for someone with a positive reputation as well as a clean legal record.
Read reviews, ratings, and check their BBB page for more information. You can also check your local bar association to look for any complaints that have been made against the law firms you are considering.
Look For an Honest Outlook
While you want a lawyer to have a positive outlook on your case, you also want them to be honest. If you are considering a lawyer who is excessively flattering you or is not telling you anything negative, consider moving on. While getting a purely positive outlook might feel good at the moment, it is unrealistic and will not properly prepare you for the reality you are facing.
Schedule a Consultation
One of the best tips to follow when hiring a lawyer is to schedule a consultation. This is a great time to take a tour of the facility, meet with the lawyer who will be handling your account, and get a feel for if the lawyer is the right fit. Make sure to discuss potential legal strategies, ask how often you will hear from your lawyer, and understand what information you need to provide.
Ask the Right Questions
During the consultation, it’s important to ask the right questions. The consultation is a time to get to know your potential lawyer and get a feel for their personality and working style. Ask about their availability, experience with settlements and trials, track record, and more.
Notice the Red Flags
Certain red flags can indicate a lawyer is a bad choice. If a lawyer you are considering has poor communication skills, is never available, does not respond to phone calls and emails, or has no empathy and compassion, you might want to move on. Working with a lawyer can be a long and intensive process, so choose someone you find enjoyable to work with.
Understand Fees
Hiring a lawyer is not cheap, which is why it’s essential to understand the fees you are expected to pay. Ask for an itemized list of fees and make sure you understand the payment schedule. Consider comparing attorney fees before making your final choice.
Follow Your Instinct
Ultimately, when choosing a lawyer you need to follow your instinct. If you have narrowed your shortlist as much as possible and are left with a handful of qualified candidates, trust your instinct. Consider which lawyer makes you feel the most comfortable and which lawyer you trust the most.
Use These Tips to Hire the Best Family Lawyer
By using these tips, you can hire the best family lawyer for your legal needs.
Start by knowing what you need and asking for a recommendation. You should also make a shortlist of lawyers and check their reputation, experience, and expertise. Make sure to schedule a consultation so you can ask the right questions and use your instinct to make the right choice.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to finding the best family lawyer.
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