Top 6 Questions to Bring to Your Family Law Consultation

Finding the right family law attorney can make all the difference when it comes to resolving your divorce or child custody dispute on favorable terms. The consultation can provide some of the most important insights into a prospective lawyer. This initial meeting is where attorneys learn about your case and offer insights and ideas about how they can help your case.

There is no obligation for the client to sign on with an attorney. The initial meeting is an opportunity for the potential client to feel out whether they want to work with a specific lawyer. Coming prepared with questions can help you make the most of that time. If you are unsure about what to ask an attorney during your consultation, consider these Top 6 Questions.

What Is Your Experience With Cases Similar to Mine?

This question helps gauge whether the attorney has handled situations like yours and understands the complexities involved. Each case is unique, but some cases are fairly similar. If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, for example, you can ask the lawyer how they might find ways to resolve areas of disagreement or how they might work with your spouse if your soon-to-be-ex is obstructing or delaying the divorce process.

How Do You Approach Cases Involving Family Law Disputes?

Understanding their strategy can give you insight into whether they favor negotiation, mediation, or litigation and if their style aligns with your preferences. Some attorneys have learned that mediation, for example, can resolve divorces when general negotiations break down. You may find that one attorney comes off as aggressively prone to litigation, which may not suit your goals for settling your divorce or child custody case.

What Are Your Fees, and How Do You Structure Billing?

This question is crucial for transparency. It ensures you understand their costs upfront, including retainer fees and hourly rates. Reputable lawyers should be open and transparent about their hourly rate and fee structure. Many lawyers expect an up-front payment known as a retainer.

How Often Will We Communicate, and How Will Updates Be Provided?

You don’t want to hire an attorney only to find that they are bad at returning emails or calling you back on time. Clear communication is key. Ask how frequently they provide updates and what methods (phone, email, etc.) they use. They should provide clear expectations on when they will respond. A response within 24 hours is generally considered reasonable.

You also want an attorney who will be proactive when it comes to keeping you up to date on your case. If your attorney goes weeks without updating you, that can create worries and stress on your part.

What Is Your Availability and Caseload Like?

An attorney with too many cases may not be able to give yours the attention it deserves, so it’s important to know how much time they can dedicate. If they sound unsure about being able to commit to representing you, take that as a sign of concern. Some lawyers may take on too many clients, and the quality of their representation can suffer as a result.

What Is the Potential Outcome of My Case, and What Challenges Might We Face?

An honest assessment of your case helps set realistic expectations, and their insights into possible challenges show their understanding of potential roadblocks. An experienced lawyer should be able to listen to the basics of your case and provide some insights into the strengths of your case and the potential challenges your case may present. At all times, your lawyer should be open and forthcoming about the potential outcomes of your family law case.

FAQs

Q:  Do Attorneys Charge for Consultations?

A: An attorney may or may not charge for a consultation. Many do not because those meetings often lead to new clients and new business for law firms. If you are unsure, you can check the lawyer’s website. Many lawyers will disclose whether they offer free consultations on their website. Check the “Contact Us” page to see what they say.

Whether or not a lawyer offers a free first meeting does not necessarily reflect the quality of their legal services. Some attorneys see value in offering a free first meeting, while others may not need to offer those incentives.

Q: Is It Okay to Set Up Multiple Consultations With Different Lawyers?

A: There is a reason that patients are often told to get a second opinion following a serious diagnosis. Even among highly skilled lawyers, there can be variability in how well a client matches with an attorney. There is nothing wrong with meeting multiple lawyers to see which one meets the qualifications you are looking for.

Q: Do Soft Skills Matter When Choosing a Family Law Attorney?

A: Soft skills are very important when it comes to successfully navigating family law cases. Communication skills allow attorneys to keep their clients well-informed about their cases and can also help your attorney negotiate with opposing counsel or plead your case before a judge.

Empathy is another important soft skill that a family law attorney should have. They should be able to empathize with your situation and passionately advocate for your case because they understand how important your goals are to you.

Q: Should I Shop Around Purely Based on the Attorney’s Hourly Rate?

A: It is perfectly normal and reasonable to have concerns about the affordability of legal representation. During a divorce, your finances may be stretched. Having quality legal representation can ultimately save you considerable time and money. If your case settles with unfavorable terms, you may have to pay considerable fees to appeal the decision or request a modification later on.

Schedule Your Family Law Consultation Today

The initial consultation offers the chance to meet with an attorney in person so you can see how well your personalities mesh and whether the attorney meets what you are looking for. By coming prepared with thought-out questions, you may ensure that you make the most of your time speaking to a prospective attorney.

At Bickford Blado & Botros, our lawyers bring many years of experience helping clients navigate complex family law cases. We take a client-first approach that prioritizes your goals. Don’t risk settling your family matter without experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Feel Free to Contact Our Office with Any Questions

858-793-8884