Find Family Law Attorney By Valerie Brooks
Emotions run high when a marriage ends in divorce. Issues such as child support, division of property, and custody may come into play. Family law attorneys specialize in these areas, and are equipped to help you through this difficult time by providing legal advice and enabling you to circumvent costly decisions.
Finding a Family Law Attorney
If you are searching for a family law attorney, consider the following:
Do you know someone who had a successful experience with this type of attorney before? A personal recommendation is always useful in helping you to make important decisions.
Call your state bar association or simply look up lawyers in the phone book, searching under the Divorce and Family Law sections.
Set up meetings with a few lawyers and prepare questions to ask them. For example, how many divorce cases has the lawyer handled? Is he or she a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers? Membership in this organization is not a necessity. However, membership may be a strong indicator of an experienced family law attorney, as requirements include having practiced family law for at least ten years, and that 75 percent of their practice is in family law.
Does the attorney require a retainer?
How will you be billed? Does the attorney charge by the hour? If so, at what rate? Will the bill be sent monthly, or in another manner? What are the filing fees?
What is the attorney's philosophy on taking it to court versus settling out of court? Consider whether this coalesces with your view of the matter.
What is the attorney's position on handling a contested divorce?
Also important, consider whether or not you feel comfortable with the attorney. If you will also be dealing with a legal assistant, ask to meet that person. If your divorce is fairly straightforward, you may be dealing only with the assistant. Take notes during your initial meetings; this will help you determine who suits your needs best.
Other Considerations
The more you and your spouse communicate about what each of you needs, the less your need for a lawyer will be; likewise, your cost will be reduced. Try to remain reasonable with each other in an effort to save both time and money.
Be completely honest about all the circumstances and assets related to the divorce. Any misinformation or hidden information could prompt the court to dismiss your divorce decree and force you to start all over again.
Make sure you understand everything your attorney is telling you. Ask questions if you are unclear about anything; this will help you avoid problems later on.
Adhere to any temporary custody or visitation agreements made by the court. Violating these agreements will only hurt your chances of securing the desired agreement.
Make sure you cover all relevant areas with your attorney, including: outstanding debts, insurance policies, pensions, family businesses, marital property versus personal property division, child support, visitation, and alimony.
Ask your attorney if he or she can recommend a social worker or other mental health professional to help you through the divorce. If there are children involved, inquire about someone who specializes in assisting children through divorce.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001