September 27, 2018
Criteria for Selecting Your Family Law Attorney
Are you getting ready to experience the joy of adoption? Do you need a power of attorney for your parents or your children? Are you getting ready to go through a divorce? Whether you live in Kansas or Missouri, a family law attorney can help you navigate your legal battles.
Family Law Attorneys: What Do They Do?
Family law deals with domestic and family affairs, including a variety of civil procedures, such as:
- Child custody and support
- Prenuptial agreements, alimony, and divorce decrees
- Adoption and paternity actions
- Power of attorney
Choosing the right attorney to help in your legal matter can be extremely difficult. It’s hard to find someone to trust in these sensitive, and often painful, situation. However, by asking a few questions and doing your homework, you’ll be able to find the best lawyer to assist with your situation.
Ask the Right Questions
Finding a family law attorney is about finding the right fit for both you and the lawyer. There will be an interview process that will help them understand your case. You can ask questions during this process as well. When you’re talking to the attorney, ask your lawyer some things like:
- Are you looking at a simple, uncontested divorce?
- Is mediation possible?
- Is it necessary to have an attorney go in fighting to protect your interests?
- Will it be simple to divide your assets, or are things more complex and messy?
- Can we find a solution that will result in the ideal outcome for the children?
As soon as you have the answers these questions, you’ll have an easier time finding the attorney you need. When you sit down with them, you should also clarify their cost and communication style. No client wants to be frustrated by radio silence from their attorney, nor do they want to be surprised by hidden fees. Make sure you’re informed of all the possibilities before you get started.
Find the Family Lawyer You Need
Once you start looking for a family law attorney, look at different law office websites to get an idea of the different options. You can learn a lot about the attorneys at each office by looking at their history, practice areas, and similar experience to yours. Try to get a good idea of how experienced each attorney has in the area of family law, as well as education and licensing. In many cases, you will want to hire an attorney that is near you and licensed in the state where your legal proceedings will take place.