Choosing the right family lawyer
Steps to choosing the right family lawyer
When it comes to choosing a family lawyer for custody-related matters, there are a few very important things you will want to keep in mind as you meet different lawyers. This article sets out to provide a few tips from our law firm that may help you along your selection process.
First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the lawyer you choose is ideally very experienced in handling child custody cases. Although this may seem obvious, even silly, there are many instances when an individual or family in crisis forgets to ask this fundamental question. It is so basic, that it can slip people’s minds to ask.
Making sure you know you are dealing with a lawyer that has experience litigating all matters related to custody disputes is the first thing to be certain of. Then, doing your best to make sure they have a good reputation as a litigator (a litigation lawyer is a lawyer that goes to court to argue in court on your behalf) is important because custody cases can quickly become very complex. You will always want to do your best to be sure that the lawyer you choose is up to the task of maximizing all opportunities should your dispute become difficult.
Clear communication between you and your lawyer
The second thing you want to be aware of is the lawyer’s ability to communicate with you. This is important for two reasons; first, custody cases can be very emotionally charged, and you will need a lawyer who is able to keep a cool head throughout the process making decisions based on logic rather than emotion. Secondly, you will need to be able to honestly express yourself and your wishes to your lawyer for them to best represent you. If you do not feel comfortable early on communicating with your lawyer, it is likely that they will not be able to adequately represent you in court. Chemistry and open dialogue are of value to allow the lawyer you choose to best understand and therefore represent you.
Communication is also important between you and your lawyer for several other reasons. First, good communication will help ensure that your lawyer most clearly understands your legal issue. This in turn helps them better represent you. Second, communication can help you understand the law and the legal process you are involved in. This can be of extreme importance as an awareness of all realities you and your lawyer are faced with are oftentimes key to making decisions about the direction of your case.
Finally, the chemistry to which we referred to above is developed, through open conversation that is frank, honest, and deadpan. There is little wiggle room for pleasantries. Good communication will build a relationship of trust between you and your lawyer, which will be vital when discussing sensitive and confidential information. Both parties must do their best to work towards developing an open and honest dialogue. Without this being established, a litigating custody lawyer will have their arms somewhat tied as they will not have the advantage of full transparency.
To re-cap, if you have any concerns about communication with your lawyer, be sure to raise them so that they can be addressed early on, doing so later can be very costly and disappointing.
The legal fees charged by the lawyer or law firm
The third and final thing to keep in mind when choosing a family lawyer is the cost. Custody cases can be very expensive, so it is important to make sure that you are comfortable with the fees that your lawyer will charge. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to get an idea of what the lawyer’s fees will be.
If you are facing legal proceedings, it is important to be aware of the fees that your lawyer will charge. Legal fees can vary widely, depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of work required. However, most lawyers will charge an hourly rate for their services. This means that the more time they spend working on your case, the more you will be charged.
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a fixed fee with your lawyer. This can help give you some certainty about how much you will need to pay once all things are settled. However, it is important to remember that legal fees are inherently expensive. You should therefore only retain a lawyer if you are confident that you are confident in their ability to provide you with the best possible service.
Choosing your family lawyer
Remember, choosing the right family custody lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make during your custody case. Be sure to do your research and ask around for referrals before making your final decision.
Choosing the right family lawyer Montreal can be a difficult task, ask anybody that has had the misfortune of going through a custody battle.
There are many factors to consider, such as experience, specialization, and reputation. If you are going through a divorce or child custody battle, it is important to find a lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of: custody laws, visitation laws, child custody access, children’s rights and more.
When beginning your search, ask for referrals from friends or family members who have been through similar situations. You will often be surprised at what you can find through your network of friends and family.
Once you have compiled a list of potential lawyers, you should schedule consultations with each one. Make sure to give yourself time as this is one of the most important parts of your meeting with a lawyer. Doing this will give you an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for the lawyer’s style and personality.
Ultimately, choosing the right family lawyer is an important decision that should not be taken lightly.
