Everyone wants a good outcome to their legal case. But when your family situation is on the line, the stakes are much higher. You want to do whatever it takes to support your family’s best interests.
The right attorney will give you a crucial advantage, especially for family law concerns. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, adoption, non-parental child custody, child support, alimony, or other sensitive matters, you will want support from a skilled family lawyer.
Before you hire any lawyer, you need to ensure they are a good fit for your case. We’ll outline five essential questions to ask before hiring a family lawyer.
1. Do You Have Time to Focus On My Case?
Every family lawyer has times when they are too busy to take on new cases. The most important question to ask before hiring a lawyer is whether they can give your family law case the attention it deserves.
If there are any time-sensitive aspects of your situation, make sure the lawyer you are considering is aware. While many legal matters take a while to resolve, some require a relatively fast turnaround. You will want a family lawyer who can be responsive.
2. Do You Have Experience with Family Law Issues Like Mine?
The more experience the lawyer has with cases like yours, the more likely they are to achieve a good outcome for your case. More family law experience usually means the lawyer understands more of the legal intricacies that could affect your case.
Ask the lawyer how long they have been practicing, what types of cases they have handled, and what their legal success rate is with clients like you.
3. How Do You Communicate with Your Clients?
Communication is crucial at every stage in family law processes, so you should ask the lawyer how they prefer to communicate with their clients. Some lawyers prefer phone calls, while others prefer emails or in-person meetings.
You can also ask about the lawyer’s typical response time and availability to address your concerns. Open, regular communication will keep you informed about progress on your case and give you peace of mind.
4. How Do You Handle Billing and Legal Fees?
Different lawyers have different fee structures. If you discuss the billing system and fee structure ahead of time, you can avoid surprises down the road.
Ask your family attorney whether they charge an hourly rate or have a fixed fee arrangement. You can also ask if there are additional costs you should expect, like court fees or expenses related to expert witnesses. Understanding the financial aspects of your legal representation will help you plan and avoid extra stress during this challenging time.
5. Can You Provide References or Client Testimonials?
Past clients can give you valuable insights into the attorney’s reputation and their ability to handle family law cases like yours. Don’t hesitate to ask the lawyer for references or testimonials from previous clients.
References can usually give you a less biased perspective on the lawyer’s professionalism, legal skills, and communication style. Look for repeated themes in what past clients have to say.
Family Law Attorneys in Everett, WA
Choosing the right family lawyer is one of the most critical steps to resolving your family law matters. By asking these five questions, you can find out if a lawyer is a good fit for you. You can improve your chance of a positive outcome with good legal guidance.
If you need an experienced family lawyer in Snohomish County, reach out to the Anderson Hunter Law Firm. Our lawyers have extensive experience with many kinds of family law issues and our local courts. Schedule a free consultation today to take the first step toward a resolution.