Tips for Finding the Right Family Law Attorney
Going through a divorce can already be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life. During these hard times, many people begin the difficult process of trying to find representation. Finding the right attorney for you may be a huge factor in achieving your ultimate goals, but how do you know which attorney is right for you? Follow these simple steps to make sure you hire an attorney suited to your individual needs.
- Rely on people you trust. Most people know somebody who has gone through the process, or at least know somebody whod knows somebody who has gone through the process. Ask the people you trust for recommendations. Attorneys are no different than any profession in that there are experienced and inexperienced attorneys, aggressive and less aggressive, and unfortunately, even skilled and unskilled.
- For once in your life, DO trust what you read on the internet. Many skilled attorneys are going to have an online presence with a significant amount of reviews. Every successful attorney is going to have some negative reviews, but those often come from the opposing party or a client who didn’t follow legal advice. If your attorney’s positive reviews far outweigh the negative, and you see reviews over a long period of time, it is likely that you have found an experience and skilled advocate.
- Personality matters. You may meet with the most skilled attorney in your area, with glowing reviews, an impressive resume, and a careers worth of experience. But if you and that attorney just don’t click together, it is likely not the match for you. Even if all of the “boxes are checked,” remember, you have to have a close working relationship with this person, sometimes for over a year. In that regard, it is important that you actually like your attorney as well.
- Ask questions. When you are interviewing attorneys, don’t just listen to what they have to say. Ask them questions about how they view the facts of your case and what outcomes those facts are likely to lead to. A seasoned attorney cannot predict the future, but he/she should be able to tell you the law, and advise you accordingly on how your personal facts could play out.
- Stay local. Make sure your attorney practices in the jurisdiction of your case. While Maryland does not have “local rules,” the reality is that each County does things differently, and knowing the local procedures, court administrators, and even judges is an advantage to you.
Finding the right lawyer is paramount to making sure you are set up for success in your family law matter. Finding the wrong lawyer often means wasted attorney’s fees and unnecessary delays until you are able to get on the same page.
