Hiring a lawyer is an important decision to make that requires research and patience as you look to hire the right professional. Whether you’re trying to obtain full custody of your children or are going through a divorce, the legal professional can work hard to help you achieve the outcome you’re seeking. Before you hire a family lawyer, there are a few things you need to know about the individual before you choose to use their services.
Rate and Fees
It’s important to ask the legal professional what the cost of their services is to ensure you can afford to hire them before you begin working together on your case. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, whereas others charge a retainer. The overall cost can vary, depending on the lawyer’s level of experience. What you pay is also influenced by the amount of time they spend on the phone with you, responding to your emails, and research that is conducted.
Experience
The level of experience of the family lawyer you hire will influence how much expertise they have and their level of knowledge. During your consultation, ask how many years they’ve worked in their profession and if they have experience handling similar cases as yours to ensure they’re qualified. Ask the individual if they hire family law matters regularly.
Their Form of Communication
Every lawyer is different when it comes to how they communicate and how often you can expect them to reach out to you with new information. Ask the lawyer in advance if they prefer to talk on the phone, email, or communicate via text messages. They should be capable of responding to your calls and emails within 24 hours to ensure you remain in the loop at each step of the legal process.
After you learn more about your family lawyer, you can get a better idea if you want to move forward with hiring them or if you prefer to look for someone more qualified. Knowing the right questions to ask can prepare you for your initial consultation.