Finding the best family lawyer for you at that what is probably the worst time of your adult life can be a daunting process.
Visiting a lawyer’s office is generally during the exciting times of your life such as buying a new home, starting a new business venture or preparing wills at the start of what you hoped would be a long and happy relationship. However, when that relationship breaks down, sometimes complicated financial structures must be untangled. This is when you need a lawyer with expertise in complex financial matters, who understands commercial reality as well as the need to tread sensitively at a time of deep personal stress which is bringing a significant change in your life.
Finding the best family lawyer for you is crucial. It can make the difference between a long drawn-out expensive process, both emotionally and financially or a simpler more affordable resolution suited to you.
Request advice from a professional — who’s the best family lawyer they know?
Start your search by asking a trusted professional such as a financial planner, your business lawyer or your accountant. If you have sought the assistance of a therapist to help you through this time they are likely to refer you to a family lawyer who will suit your particular needs.
You must be comfortable with your lawyer to be able to develop a good working relationship and rapport with your family lawyer. They will be your trusted personal adviser throughout the process of disentangling your life from your former partner and helping you make wise decisions about the care arrangements for your children into the future.
It’s best to meet first so that you can gauge if you feel comfortable with the lawyer you have selected. You can then assess whether you will be able to work effectively together and whether you are able to communicate openly and effectively with them. Your family lawyer needs to be empathetic to your needs. After all, not every restaurant suits every diner and it’s okay to continue your search.
An ethical family lawyer will discuss costs with you at your first appointment and probably only be able to provide a range of costs as much depends on the attitude taken by the other party.
Can you choose the best family lawyer based on cost alone?
Sometimes using a family lawyer with a higher hourly rate may ultimately provide you with better value at the end of the process, particularly with an experienced senior lawyer because you will be using an expert who is more efficient in what they do and in the end the final account may be lower as a result.
Understanding the needs of a growing family or how a relationship breakdown can impact on retirement plans is vital.
- Does their website show you enough information to gauge expertise or approach?
- How long have they been practising in family law and is this their only area of practice?
- Are they a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law?
Don’t forget the value of empathetic service during a traumatic time. The best family lawyer for you should help you feel comfortable, informed, heard and be as influential as possible on the outcome.
