Family lawyers provide invaluable services during life’s most trying moments, from legal disputes and paperwork management, providing objective advice and negotiating settlements, all the way to mediation sessions and mediation agreements.
But how can you determine which lawyer is the right one for you? Below are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, seek an experienced family law attorney.
Experience
Experienced family law attorneys possess valuable insights that they can apply to helping their clients with legal matters relating to divorce, custody and support issues. Their knowledge of state laws and court procedures allows them to be more efficient and effective.
Experienced family attorneys possessing knowledge of court procedures are also equipped to anticipate what issues may arise during court proceedings and effectively prepare their cases while negotiating with opposing counsel.
Experienced family law attorneys understand the emotional toll family matters can take on their clients. Therefore, they are able to offer supportive and compassionate representation in these sensitive cases while serving as aggressive advocates on their clients’ behalf. Furthermore, they work well with clients on coming up with creative solutions for legal problems they are encountering.
Affection
Family Law attorneys provide assistance for the entire spectrum of family legal needs, from divorce and adoption, child custody and property division, estate planning to nontraditional family structures such as same sex marriage, gestational carriers and civil unions.
North Carolina is one of seven states to recognize torts of alienation of affection and criminal conversation as valid causes of action, enabling spouses to sue third parties who interfere with a loving marriage, usually an extramarital partner, for alienation of affection or criminal conversation and receive compensatory and punitive damages if their claim succeeds.
Finding an experienced family lawyer familiar with such claims is essential, whether you want to pursue or defend one. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to effectively represent you whether that means seeking justice against a former lover or needing protection against potential allegations against yourself.
Trust
An experienced family lawyer is invaluable when navigating legal matters such as divorce proceedings, adoptions and child custody disputes. Their emotional challenges require lawyers with empathy so that clients feel heard and understood.
Even though most family law cases can be resolved through negotiations, litigation may sometimes be necessary. An experienced family lawyer can effectively communicate with opposing counsel to create a positive working environment and secure favorable results for their clients.
Provide client-oriented online services can help family law firms stand out from competitors and offer their clients an enjoyable experience. Implement an intuitive client intake system so clients can provide case details quickly, receive advice instantly and next steps immediately; while keeping clients and potential clients updated through rolling news feeds helps build trust between all involved in a case. Finally, featuring accolades and awards from professional organizations showcase your firm’s expertise in family law.
Communication
Legal matters can be complex and family lawyers need to communicate clearly with their clients. When meeting for the initial consultation, seek an attorney who can explain complex legal concepts clearly while listening carefully and responding quickly when questions or issues arise.
Finding an honest family attorney, one who provides candid advice regarding their client’s likelihood of reaching their desired outcomes and is open to exploring alternative dispute resolution methods if these might prove useful for their case, is also of great significance.
As you search for the ideal family law attorney, be sure to research their reputation and track record through referrals from friends and family as well as online reviews and ratings to get a feel for his/her professionalism and effectiveness. And finally, trust your instincts!