It is good to speak with a family lawyer if you have family issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, or alimony. This is a type of lawyer who specializes in dealing with family matters. They can help you achieve the best outcome for your particular case.
However, with many family lawyers available, some even promising what they cannot deliver, choosing a good family lawyer can be pretty hectic. Thankfully, we are here to help you.
This article discusses the key things you need to consider when choosing a family lawyer. Let’s delve into them.
1. Qualifications
Of course, one of the essential things you need to look for in a Wollongong family lawyers like JJ Lawyers is qualification. You want to ensure that the lawyer you hire is qualified for the job. For this, you need to ask the lawyer for their qualifications. The lawyer should have attended a reputable law school and passed the Law School Admissions Test [LSAT]. You can ask the lawyer to show you their credentials and see if they are legitimate.
2. Experience
You also want to ensure that the lawyer you are hiring is experienced. Experience matters a lot when it comes to family law. Working with an experienced family lawyer will guarantee a positive outcome for your case.
To gauge the experience level of the family lawyer, you need to find out how long they have been practicing family law. The more the number of years, the more experienced they are. The lawyer’s experience is also crucial when it comes establishing familiarity with judges.
3. License
Another essential thing you need to look for when hiring a family lawyer is a license. Are they licensed to offer their legal services? A reliable and trustworthy family lawyer must have a license. It is not just a matter of having license, you must also ensure that it is legit and issued by the right body.
4. Availability
Hiring a lawyer who is always unavailable or too busy to focus on your case would be catastrophic. This will result in a negative outcome. Assess how available the lawyer is before you sign anything. You can determine this by asking the lawyer about their availability and if they will prioritize your case during your initial consultation. If you notice any sign showing that the lawyer is too busy, it is only wise to look for another family lawyer.
5. Communication
You must also pay attention to the lawyer’s communication skills. Family law can be very intricate. So you need a lawyer who can explain things clearly in a way that you can understand better. You will be in constant communication with the lawyer; you will ask them multiple questions you want answers to. For this reason, you need a lawyer who communicates better. Also, ask the lawyer about their preferred method of communication, whether it is telephone, email, or in-person meeting.
6. Legal fees
Finally, you should also enquire about the lawyer’s fees before you decide to hire them. Family lawyers charge differently for their legal services, depending on their experience, location, complexity of the case, etc. Some are way more expensive while others charge affordable fees. So, you must set your budget and find a lawyer whose fees fall within your budget.
