Choosing the best family lawyer is one of the most important decisions that you will make during separation and divorce. The right attorney can help you reach an agreeable financial settlement and provide child focused outcomes, all while minimizing conflict and emotional stress.
As the legal field of family law is very sensitive and complex, finding a family lawyer that you can trust is essential. A good starting point is asking for referrals from friends, family, colleagues and professional acquaintances. With high national divorce rates, it is very likely that someone in your extended circle has gone through a relationship breakdown themselves and may have recommendations on who to work with.
Once you have compiled a list of potential family lawyers, it is helpful to read online reviews to get an idea of how previous clients have experienced working with them. Additionally, make sure the attorneys you plan to meet with have a clean disciplinary record. It is also important to ask each potential family lawyer what their hourly rate is and how long they have been in practice. However, keep in mind that the higher the hourly rate does not necessarily indicate greater skill, experience or professionalism.
When it comes to family law, you want to choose an attorney that is both knowledgeable and dedicated to their craft. During your initial consultation, look for an attorney who takes the time to thoroughly discuss the case, listen to your concerns and answer your questions. They should be able to set realistic expectations and explain how they will approach your case. If a family law attorney tells you that you will not have any issues during your custody case, or makes promises that sound too good to be true, it is a red flag that you should steer clear.
A specialist family lawyer in St. Louis, MO who focuses on only one type of law will have a deeper insight into the field. They are more likely to be up to date on the latest court rulings and legislative changes. A lawyer who practices several types of law can miss important updates on how these changes could impact their current clients.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential attorneys, schedule a meeting with each. During your consultation, pay close attention to whether the attorney is thorough in explaining their reasoning for handling your case and if they can provide you with examples of similar past cases. During your meeting, it is also important to evaluate the level of comfort you feel with each attorney. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with your family lawyer during this stressful and difficult time, so you should feel comfortable sharing your concerns with them. This will ultimately result in a better outcome for your case. If you have any further questions about how to find the best family lawyer, contact our St. Louis, Missouri office today. We can provide you with the exceptional representation that you deserve.