Hiring an attorney to represent you in your family law matter is often an intimidating process. Most potential clients have no experience talking to an attorney, much less hiring one; and making the initial call to a lawyer to discuss your own divorce can present a very high emotional barrier that is only minimized with experience and information. To help, I’ve identified 6 tips to assist you in the purchase of your family law services.
- Ask questions. Silence is not recommended, even if you think it could offend the consulting attorney. As the client, you are entrusting the attorney with helping you get through an incredibly emotional period of your life. For some, it is more painful than the death of a loved one. When children are involved, you are entrusting the lawyer to help you maintain the closest possible relationship with your kids. The least you can do is ask the questions on your mind about who this person is, their approach to cases, and why you should entrust your case to them. Some questions you may want to ask:
- “How many family law cases have you had in the past 5 years that involved trials?”
- “How do you approach your cases? Do you have a philosophy?”
- “Who will I interact with at your firm, and how should I communicate with you?”
- “How will you help me get through this difficult time?"
- “Could you quote me a flat rate for the services I’m asking you to provide?"
- “What do you need from me to help make my case more efficient?”
- Come prepared and proactive. Dive into the details and don't hesitate to reach out to your attorney's office, asking precisely what they require from you. Such initiative not only showcases your commitment to your case but also gauges the attorney's responsiveness and organization. The more you bring to the initial table, the deeper and more meaningful the conversation.
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Prioritize that first attorney meeting. Your inaugural consultation is your cornerstone, shaping the trajectory of your journey. No subsequent meeting holds the weight of that first dialogue, so ensure you’re sitting across from the attorney who will be your guide throughout, not just a placeholder. Beware of firms where primary interactions are shuffled off post-consultation; it's a warning sign.
That initial encounter is a golden opportunity for mutual understanding. It's where your attorney should grasp your aspirations and objectives. Without their presence and genuine engagement, one must question whose agenda they're truly serving?
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Stand tall and stay confident. Family law attorneys navigate these waters daily. The adept ones thrive on steering anxious souls, overshadowed by the enormity of legal proceedings, towards hope and clarity. Remember, there’s no revelation that will alter their perception of you.
For them, their purpose is to be a beacon during your stormiest hours. And when they excel, the gratitude they receive is immeasurable. Such heartfelt "thank you's" are earned by transforming clients from a place of trepidation to one of triumphant new beginnings.
- Relationships matter. Many cases do not require extensive litigation and therefore interaction with your attorney may be more limited. However, the more litigious the family law case, the more your relationship with your attorney matters because you’re going to be spending more time with them than you want. Make sure the person you hire is someone you feel comfortable with. Hiring a lawyer who comes recommended, but does not put you at ease, often results in conflict between you and the attorney as your case proceeds.
- You get what you pay for. You often get what you pay for in family law matters. Good attorneys find themselves in higher demand and, like any finite resource in high demand, typically demand higher prices. Many attorneys simply raise their hourly rate based on years of practice, while some raise it when the level of service they provide is reflected in the demand on their time.
This is why a very good young lawyer may charge as much or more than an attorney with many more years of experience. Keep this in mind when shopping for an attorney. The price of the service is often a reflection of the demand on the attorney’s time. And lawyers in demand have typically proven themselves in the marketplace.
Selecting the right attorney for your family law needs can be a daunting task, particularly when it's intertwined with emotional distress. From being vocal with your concerns to understanding the value of initial consultations, and recognizing the importance of an attorney-client relationship, the steps to finding the right representation are crucial. High-quality representation often comes at a premium, reflecting the attorney's demand and expertise.
Contact us today at 405-701-5355 for a consultation to ask these and any other questions you have in order to make sure the thoughtful family law attorneys at Ball Morse Lowe are the right fit to handle your family law matter.