Family law attorneys often handle highly emotional matters that require legal expertise as well as empathy. To be effective, they must possess both qualities simultaneously.
As well as divorce, they also assist clients with adoption, restraining orders against abusive spouses, defining property rights between couples in prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and more. Their services can provide invaluable relief during some of life’s most tumultuous moments.
Ask for a Referral
Most attorneys rely on referrals as the main source of new business. While advertisements may reach a broad audience without specifically targeting your ideal clientele, referrals provide targeted leads that can convert easily. Generating referrals doesn’t need to be challenging or feel like sales pitches.
Start by soliciting referrals from people you already know and trust. If you meet for lunch regularly or run with someone regularly, for instance, ask them if they know anyone who would benefit from your services. It can also help to warn the person in advance that they might receive a phone call about a potential client so that when the time comes they don’t take you by surprise when the call does come through.
Be clear about the nature and scope of each case, and each attorney’s responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings. And always follow up with referred prospects to make sure that their experience with you was satisfactory, in order to build loyalty among referral sources while expanding your business.
Look for a Legal Plan
There is good news: there are legal plans that can provide the advice you need without breaking your budget. You can find them through groups like universities or community centers; experts from these programs are also on hand to answer questions and guide you through the process.
Legal assistance organizations provide free or low-cost legal representation for issues including family law, housing and public benefits. If necessary they can refer you directly to lawyers.
SEIU members eligible for legal assistance benefit from affordable legal assistance through the Legal Plan, providing legal consultations, document review/prep, identity theft restoration services and identity theft restoration as part of open enrollment or qualifying life events. Plans also feature access to state-specific legal libraries, apps and member portals as well as bankruptcy/foreclosure matters as well as family law preexisting matters covered at 33.33% off normal hourly rate by attorneys.
Check Your Employer’s Benefits
Family law covers any legal matter related to relationships within one’s immediate family unit, from divorce and property settlement negotiations, through child custody arrangements and adoption procedures.
Family lawyers may assist their clients with filing restraining orders against abusive partners or individuals, and with creating prenuptial agreements which protect assets accumulated prior to or in the event of divorce.
Though some states may have laws to govern these issues, their rules can often be complex and time consuming to interpret. As a result, hiring an experienced family lawyer is invaluable when filing paperwork or managing complex issues. You can get one recommended by trusted sources or look at groups offering free talks on this subject; online resources provide guides about family law. Alternatively, student volunteers could consider volunteering at family law firms.
Seek Pro Bono Services
Depending on your circumstances, there may be other ways of getting legal help without spending any money. For instance, certain groups offer free talks or classes on family law; others even feature lawyers available for consultation services – check local schools and community groups for events of this nature.
Some states offer programs funded with state money to assist those who cannot afford lawyers. You can learn more by reaching out to your state bar association or local courthouse.
Some lawyers offer pro bono assistance with family law matters. You can discover these opportunities by searching “pro bono lawyers” in your area. In New York, Family Legal Care offers legal guidance, technology support and systemic reform assistance that enable unrepresented families to navigate New York Family Court on their own and find solutions on their own.