When a divorce or other family law issue comes up, you need someone who will represent you well and treat you with dignity and respect. There are a number of things you should look for when choosing a Divorce & Family Attorneys, and it may take a bit of time before you find the right one.
The best place to start your search is by asking friends and family for recommendations. They will know what they’ve gone through in their own situations and can give you good insights into whether or not the lawyer is right for you. However, remember that personal references are only one piece of the puzzle. You also need to cross-reference these with professional referrals from other professionals you trust. For example, your therapist might have a friend or colleague who is a family law attorney and can provide a professional recommendation.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to interview each potential attorney. You need to determine if you see eye-to-eye with the attorney about how your case will progress and what your goals are in terms of the outcome. Ask each candidate how they would approach your case and if they have any experience with the issues you’re facing, such as property division, child custody, or spousal support.
You should also make sure the divorce lawyer specializes in family law, rather than just general practice. Some attorneys claim to specialize in family law, but only offer a portion of their practice to this area. Look for a website that lists this specialty, and ask each prospective attorney if they do exclusively divorce cases and how many years they have spent in this field.
In addition to looking for specific expertise, it’s also a good idea to look for evidence of the attorney’s professionalism and ethics. You want to be sure that they are a member of your state bar association and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Look for a professional organization that requires membership and only admits highly qualified specialists, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Ask the attorney how much they charge and what their billing practices are. Do they handle everything themselves or do they delegate some of the work to associates and paralegals? If they delegate work, it’s important to understand how that will impact the overall cost of your case.
If you’re not able to afford a private family law firm, you can still get help from the courts. The judge will assume that the more monied spouse is responsible for paying the other’s legal fees and expenses, but you can try to change that if necessary. The court will consider your financial situation and any other factors that might make you eligible for a fee waiver or reduction. In some states, you may be able to qualify for a free, court-appointed attorney for your divorce case. The St. Louis family attorneys at Missouri are experienced in New York divorce law and can help you navigate the process.