Family law matters can be stressful. You want to hire an attorney who will make the process as smooth as possible.
When you meet with a potential family lawyer, ask them the following questions. This will help you decide if they are the right fit for your case.
Table of Contents
What is your experience?
Family lawyers, including those in the realm of family lawyer Ottawa, assist clients in navigating through highly emotional and complex legal matters such as divorces, disputes over child custody, and the creation of pre-and post-nuptial agreements. During interviews, it is crucial to convey your ability to adeptly guide clients through these challenging situations, demonstrating a capacity to minimize stress and alleviate anxiety throughout the legal process.
A successful attorney must balance the demands of emotionally charged cases with their well-being. Hiring managers want to see that you can successfully advocate for your clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What are your fees?
Family law encompasses legal matters involving family-related issues such as divorce, legal separation, custody and visitation, child support, and alimony. Professional attorneys help their clients resolve these sensitive and complex legal issues.
Most attorneys charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate. A flat fee is typically charged for a simple case such as an uncontested divorce. An hourly fee is commonly charged for cases expected to go into litigation, which requires more extensive legal work and time.
What are your usual clients like?
Family law attorneys help clients with divorce and separation, child custody, visitation rights, alimony, domestic violence restraining orders, and property division. They also help couples who are considering marriage or are already married to work out prenuptial agreements.
Ryan Besinque is a New York City family lawyer who helps couples resolve their domestic issues. His firm advocates for a collaborative approach to litigation and assists disadvantaged individuals through the Manhattan Assigned Counsel Panel.
How do you communicate with clients?
Finding the right family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make for your case. Because family law issues deal with the most personal matters, clients require an attorney who understands their needs and can work well with them.
Some attorneys prefer to communicate with clients through email, while others prefer phone calls or video conferences. Knowing the lawyer’s preferred method of communication will help ensure that you receive prompt and accurate updates on your case.
What are your goals for my case?
When you meet with family law attorneys, discuss your goals for the case. This will help the lawyer provide you with more accurate information about how to proceed with your case.
Whether you are looking to file for divorce, adopt a child, or seek guardianship, the assistance of a skilled family attorney can be invaluable. Finding a qualified attorney can save you much trouble and stress in the long run.
What are your expectations from me?
Family lawyers often work with clients facing some of the most emotionally charged and sensitive issues. Hiring managers want to know your ability to navigate these high-tension situations with empathy and diplomacy while keeping the client’s best interests at heart.
Managing complex cases such as divorce or child custody can take some time to resolve. Ask the interviewer about their estimated timeline and how they will keep you updated on the progress of your case.
What is your personality like?
Personality is a set of characteristics that determines how you act and interact with others. Personality is consistent over time, though both genetic factors and environment can influence it.
Traits that make up your personality include openness, conscientiousness, and extroversion. These traits are known as the Big Five, and research suggests they’re linked to specific health outcomes. For example, extroverted people tend to have more robust immune systems.
What are your expectations from me?
If you’re looking for a family attorney who will keep you updated with the progress of your case, ask the lawyer about their standard policies and response time to emails and phone calls. This will help you choose a family law professional who has your best interests in mind.
Finding the right family law attorney is crucial for navigating complex legal issues like divorce or custody. The questions you ask during your consultation will determine whether they can handle your case and how they’ll approach it.
