Since we have been talking about the beginning of a divorce case lately, I thought would be a good time to highlight some things to discuss before hiring a lawyer for your divorce or child custody case.
- How much of your practice is devoted to family law?
- Can you explain the steps that are involved in a case like mine? For example, what laws/statutes apply? How long do you estimate my case will take?
- Who will be working on my case? Can I meet them?
- How do you communicate with clients? What is the best way to reach you? How long does it take to get a response?
- What experience do you have working against the opposing attorney? What would you anticipate his/her tactics to be?
- What kind of strategy do you have in mind for my case? What experience do you have handling cases similar to mine?
- How many cases do you settle versus going to trial?
- What are your thoughts on mediation and are you a trained mediator?
- Based on what I have told you so far, what would you anticipate the judge might rule in my case?
- How much do you charge? How do you bill? Can I get that in writing? (Run from any lawyer who is averse to discussing how he/she will charge you.)
Understand that this is not a be all, end all list of things to ask your prospective lawyer, but it should get you off on the right track. Ultimately, however, you have to trust your instincts. If you do not get a certain comfort level from a lawyer, you should not hire that lawyer.
Labels: child custody, child support, divorce, divorce lawyer, divorce petition, family law, illinois, kentucky, paducah, visitation