Finding a family law attorney is easy, but finding the right one for you can be very difficult. You want someone who can competently handle every aspect of your case, fight aggressively for your interests, and communicate clearly and compassionately with you. Although many people hope that any family law case will be “one and done,” when you choose a family law attorney, you are often choosing a partner for the long haul. Family law cases, even when they open and close quickly, include a lot of ongoing work. There may be necessary modifications to custody agreements or court-ordered spousal support payments down the road. Our lives are always changing, and the legal protections in place for your family will need to as well.
That’s why choosing the right family law attorney for you is so vital. In order to direct your search process, here are some tips.
1: Find Someone With Experience in Cases as Similar to Yours as Possible
In family law, court experience matters. Your lawyer needs to guide you through common pitfalls and strategize creative solutions for your specific challenges and goals. If you are a father seeking majority parenting time, see if your lawyer has had success with similar cases in the past. Ask about former cases, success rates, and specialties.
2: Local Know-How Matters
Family law is determined by the state. In fact, the nuances of family law can even change from one specific court to another. That’s why a lawyer’s longevity in a local area can make a big difference in your case. After practicing in a specific court for a time, a local lawyer is deeply familiar with the different judges and their preferences, as well as opposing counsel, prior cases, and public sentiment. Craig J. Simon has been practicing family law in Arizona since 1998.
3: Set Realistic Goals and Optimistic Timelines Together
A common concern when embarking on a family lawsuit is timeline. These cases can be drawn-out, causing a drain on your finances and nerves. While there are many factors that determine the end date for your suit, generating a plan for minimizing time in court will help you avoid mistakes that can cause extended legal proceedings. Choose a lawyer who can be realistic in setting your expectations, and will be proactive and optimistic in moving at a good pace.
4: Trust Your Impressions and Gut Feelings
When hiring a family lawyer, your relationship dynamic and communication with them is extremely important. Their support is going to matter during this difficult time, and you want to establish a long-term relationship that will help guide you years into the future. Make sure that you feel like you’re being heard, and like you can cooperate to develop a strategy that’s specific to your case.
5: Set up More Than One Consultation
In order to get a better idea of which attorney you’ll get along with best, you need to do some research. Most family law attorneys will offer a free or discounted consultation to review your case. Take advantage of this by setting up several consultations. First, do some initial research about local clout and experience. Then, set up a time to review your case in-person with several attorneys. See which one listens, gives examples of prior similar cases, and has a realistic timeline and expected outcome.
Here at Simon Law Group, we offer free consultations so that we can review your case ahead of time, and give you the chance to determine whether our law office is a good fit for your needs. Call us or contact us today to set up your appointment.
