Gevurtz Menashe Blog

When looking for a professional of any kind, you tend to look for someone with the right experience, good reviews and is within your budget. Family attorneys are legal professionals who will help you resolve personal matters, which makes choosing the right one a little more complex.

Beyond their expertise and specialization, you want an attorney you feel comfortable around. In this article, we’ll walk you through finding family attorneys and things to remember when choosing one. 

Finding Family Attorneys

You need to find suitable candidates before you can choose a family attorney. If you know anyone who had similar legal needs in the past, you can ask them for recommendations of attorneys. You can also search online, check your local or state bar association, Google Business profiles, and other online platforms. Don’t forget to read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get first-hand experiences. Your best bet is to choose an attorney with a track record of success, professionalism, and compassion in handling cases like yours.

Align Your Needs With Their Experience

Consider the specifics of your case. Family law covers a range of issues and you want an attorney with experience relevant to your situation. For example, if you’re planning to adopt a child, you need an attorney well-versed in adoption law.

Ask yourself: Do this attorney’s past cases and certifications align with my case?

The first step in choosing the right family attorney is finding one with the appropriate expertise. A thorough understanding of the right areas of family law will significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Schedule Initial Consultations

Scheduling initial consultations is the next step, once you have narrowed your search for expert attorneys with the right focus. Your family attorney will be helping you through deeply personal matters. As such, there needs to be good synergy between you and them – something which can only be assessed in an initial consultation. 

During an initial consultation with a family attorney, you can ask them questions and get a better sense of if they are the right person to handle your case. 

Assess Their Communication Style

Look for an attorney that makes you feel heard. Someone with whom you can communicate easily. Ask yourself if they are approachable and responsive. Can they clearly explain your legal proceedings and options in a way that makes sense to you? 

Choose a family attorney that can guide you through every step of your legal journey with clarity. You should feel comfortable and supported when discussing senstive issues, whether that involves a new family, estate planning, or other branches of family law. 

Ask About Their Approach to Problem-Solving

It's important to choose an attorney with the right skill set to resolve your case. Some cases benefit from a collaborative approach, while others may require more structured negotiation or mediation. 

During your consultation ask attorneys how they typically handle cases like yours. Their approach should be in line with how you want to resolve your case. The right attorney will prioritize your needs and work toward a solution that supports you and your family's future.

Look for Compatibility and Trust

You'll be sharing personal details about your family, finances, and future with a family attorney. In addition to good communication, you need an attorney you can trust – someone who has your best interests at heart.

Pay attention to how you feel during your initial consultation. Do you feel confident in their ability to represent you? 

Trust your instincts. Choosing a family attorney with whom you can build a strong working relationship is essential.

Check Their Availability

Family law cases can require quick action. In emergencies like child custody disputes or protective orders, for example, you may need your attorney’s immediate help. Check their availability to take on your case. How much time do you expect them to dedicate? 

Discuss the timeline of your case and an estimated resolution date. You want an attorney that can provide the level of service and attention you need instead of having to wait months. 

Understand Their Fees and Billing Structure

The complexity of your case and how long it will take to resolve influence the cost of legal fees. Your attorney should be upfront about their billing structure to avoid surprises. You need to understand their rates so you can budget accordingly. The right attorney will be clear about their rates and help you weigh the potential financial investment against the benefits of their services.

Questions to Ask a Family Attorney

Choosing a family attorney can feel overwhelming. You’ll inevitably have a lot on your mind and will want to ask the right questions to help you decide. Here are some questions you can ask during your first consultation to help you feel confident when choosing your attorney. 

• What is your approach to resolving family law cases?

• How long do you expect my case to take?

• How involved will I be in the process?

• How do you communicate with clients, and how often will I hear from you?

• What areas of family law do you specialize in?

• Can you provide examples of similar cases you’ve handled and their outcomes?

• What do you see as the biggest challenge in my case?

• What are your fees, and how do you structure them?

• Do you have experience with the local court system?

• What is your success rate with settling cases outside of court?

Choose a Family Attorney Who Cares

We hope you now have a better idea of how to choose the right family attorney. It’s an important decision in resolving your legal issues and one you should reflect on deeply. While researching family attorneys, assessing their experience, communication style and problem-solving approach, keep in mind how comfortable you feel with them. Remember that your family law attorney will also support and guide you through this phase of your life. 

Our Approach to Family Law

At Gevurtz Menashe, we take the time to learn about your unique situation and develop the best strategy to achieve your goals. With decades of experience, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your journey with care, professionalism, and a focus on your best interests. 

Are you ready to take the next step? If so, contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you find the path forward with confidence.