There are many reasons why you may need family lawyers such as adoptions, divorce, visitation for children, to name but three examples. Given that these kinds of matters often require protracted negotiations, have all kinds of legal implications, and in many cases, end up being decided in court, ensuring that you have the best family lawyers to look after your interests, is vital.
Some people take the attitude that all lawyers must be good because they have been to university, have had to pass exams to become lawyers, and many have letters after their names, so it does not matter who they choose Now, whether that is the process used for picking family lawyers, or any other professional, it is the wrong one.
Instead, you want to follow a few simple steps so that not only are you able to employ an experienced family law firm like Davies Family Lawyers but a family lawyer who is proficient in terms of representing you for legal matters, but also that they are someone whom you feel comfortable discussing important and personal aspects of your life, and are prepared for them to disagree with you, or push back on how you believe you should proceed.
Whilst you might be paying a lawyer for their services, they are not there to simply say ‘Yes.’ No matter how passionately you might feel about something, if they believe a different approach is needed, or if what you want is not legally possible, then you have to be able to accept it.
In terms of choosing a good family lawyer, the first suggestion would be to start looking as soon as you think you may need one. Waiting until your estranged spouse’s lawyers have sent you notice of court proceedings, means you are playing catch up.
Next, you want to ask around and seek recommendations from other people in your close circle that you trust. You might have to deflect some awkward questions with regards to them asking you why you need a family lawyer, but if they are close friends or family, they’ll understand if you decline to answer.
Nevertheless, having the name of one or more lawyers from those who have already had a good experience with them, is definitely a plus. With the names you are given, always look online for reviews from other clients, especially those which relate to cases that are similar to yours.
Your next step should be to call the office of those lawyers that you have on your shortlist. Note how long it takes for them to answer, and what the attitude was of the person who answered the phone. If you are able to speak directly to the lawyer, even better, as all of this will give you a sense of whether this is someone you will be happy dealing with.
You will obviously want to think about some of the practical matters too, such as the location of the lawyer’s office and how easy it is for you to travel there, and of course, there is the matter of whether the fees they charge are within the budget that you are willing to commit to.
Finally, you want to arrange a meeting with this lawyer. Use it as a kind of audition for them. Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do they show empathy? Do they give you confidence that they know what they are talking about? If yes, then you found your family lawyer. If not, then do not hesitate to keep looking.