Client-Attorney Relationship Advice: Tips For a Successful Relationship with Your Family Law Attorney
Choosing the right family law attorney is one of the most important decision you will make whether you need an attorney for a divorce, child custody issues, domestic violence or adoption. These are all critical times in your life, and it is vital to have an attorney who will fight for you, is experienced and knowledgeable with the applicable law and the court system and with whom you have a rapport.
Tips on How to Find the Right Lawyer
Here are few tips to finding the right family law attorney for you and having a fruitful relationship with him or her once you have chosen:
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ASK your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations.
Word of mouth is a great way to narrow your search. You should find out from friends, family, co-workers and neighbors if they know of or have direct experience with an attorney they liked or didn’t like. You can learn who to avoid and who is well liked and can get the job done.
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RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!
In this technological age, the internet is the go-to place for information of all types. Once you have some names to research, you have somewhere to start. You should search for family law attorneys and look at their websites. Many websites also have a chat function so you can chat with someone prior to even making an appointment for a consultation.
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MAKE an appointment.
Once you have narrowed your search to a few attorneys, the next step is to make an appointment for a consultation. Many law firms, like ours, offer a free initial consultation. An attorney should be able to answer your basic questions and give you insight into your matter that you didn’t have before. You will be able to see who you click with and who you believe will fight for you and be compassionate yet steer you in the right direction. Especially in family law cases, you will be spending a lot of time with your attorney, and you need to be comfortable with him or her. You may need to meet with more than one attorney before you can make a decision.
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DECIDE.
The sooner you make a decision, the sooner you can start the process and move past whatever issue you may have. If you are still on the fence about who to choose, make another appointment to ask more questions. Again, this is a critical time in the process, and you cannot second guess yourself.
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SPEAK UP.
If you are unhappy with something your attorney is doing, be sure to tell him or her. Be sure to be truthful with your attorney so they can be prepared for anything. Your attorney can only do his or her job based upon what you tell him or her.
At Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella, we offer a free half hour initial consultation. Please make an appointment to meet one of our attorneys so we can get started working hard for you with our knowledge, experience and compassion.