How to Hire a Family Lawyer

They say death and taxes are certain, but these days, so is the need for a good lawyer. Through the years, there will be times you might require legal assistance: adopting a baby, resolving divorce and custody issues, preparing a will or settling an estate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
• Lawyer referral service

1. Ask family, friends and co-workers to recommend an honest and dependable lawyer. Have they crossed paths with a not-so-honest lawyer? Find out who to avoid.
2. Hit the shelves at your county law library or the main branch of your public library. Look for the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (martindale.com), which lists and rates attorneys.
3. Put together a short list of candidates. Call them and ask for references. Then call their references. Were they happy with their services?
4. Use a lawyer referral service if you don't have time to search yourself. For a minimal fee, it will match you with someone who meets your specific needs.
5. Establish your price range. Hourly rates run from free (for lowerincome families that qualify for legal aid) to thousands of dollars (for a top trial attorney).
6. Set up initial meetings with your candidates, but ask first if they will charge for these. Be prepared to ask about fees (hourly as well as for phone calls), the lawyer's track record, and his or her education and experience.
7. Make a smart choice. A trustworthy, quick-to-respond lawyer is like an honest mechanic; once you've found one, you'll rely on that person for years to come.

What to Look For:

• Excellent track record
• References
• Reasonable fees
• Quick response

Tips & Warnings

• Many people don't look for a lawyer until a time of stress--when they're facing a lawsuit or getting divorced. Choose a lawyer for the long run, not for a quick fix.
• In some states, consumer attorney organizations conduct valuable peer reviews. Check online for what's available in your state.