How to Find a Family Law Lawyer
An attorney for legal matters between family members--marriage, divorce, child adoption, custody, domestic disputes--is a "family law" practitioner. Family law attorneys help people navigate the joys of adoption and the pain of divorce; they negotiate the delicacies of prenuptial agreements and wage war in courtrooms for individuals in bitter family feuds. If you need a family law attorney, choose carefully; she will be your advocate in the most personal area of law.
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Instructions
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Ask for referrals from friends or relatives who have had experience with family attorneys. Insist on actual experience, not just hearsay, when asking for recommendations from people whose judgment you trust. Family law is one area that requires a sympathetic understanding between client and advocate.
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Consult a lawyer referral service or directory of your state's bar members. The American Bar Association provides links to area lawyer referral services and state, national and bar associations. Use these links or phone book listings under "lawyer referral service." Local bar associations and many state bars publish directories of their members and legal communities like FindLaw provide reliable links to attorney services. Any attorney who appears on more than one service is probably a well-established practitioner. Find attorneys whose offices are near you but not too far from the courthouse. Choose two or three lawyers to interview and make appointments.
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Interview attorneys as you would any service-provider who will be privy to secrets you wouldn't think of sharing (or wouldn't want shared) with the rest of the world. Explain what services you think you need and allow the attorney to ask some questions; most will want some details before they can decide whether they can serve you well. Ask about the attorney's experience and specific family law training. Ask for a schedule or explanation of fees; it is reasonable to ask what kind of expenses will be involved. Find out what kind of case load the attorney has to determine whether he will have enough time to devote to your case. If the attorney appears to resent your questions or won't answer to your satisfaction, perhaps the two of you lack the ability to communicate, which is necessary between client and advocate.
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Find a counselor with whom you're comfortable. You don't necessarily have to go to the same church or belong to the same political party, but you need someone who's going to be supportive, not judgmental. If you interview three or four attorneys, the odds are that you'll find someone who understands your point of view. Don't expect to hand over your case to your attorney and never think about it again. "Let me do all the talking" does not mean "Let me do all the thinking." If you'll be dealing with associates in law offices, be sure that you're comfortable with them, too.
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Check with your state's lawyer regulation board once you have found one or two attorneys you are comfortable with and who seem capable. Make sure there are no pending complaints or past disciplines that might interfere with your attorney's ability to serve you. Many attorneys have to deal with disgruntled clients sooner or later. Although complaints are sometimes filed under "sour grapes," sometimes complaints are well-founded. Pending complaints founded or not, consume time your attorney could be spending on your case. Once your attorney's background checks out, you can trust her with your case.
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Tips & Warnings
Attorneys advertise for a variety of reasons. If you pick an attorney because of an ad, be sure to find out what those reasons are. Is it public relations, good business or because they need clients? Lawyers may be members of local or state bar associations or both. Some are also members of the American Bar Association. Your state bar association can refer you to county, parish or other local associations.
Don't stop looking for a lawyer if you don't find one you like. You need an advocate who will listen to you, help you clarify your goals and represent you zealously.
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