Preparing for Your Consultation with a Family Law Attorney

When legal disputes arise within families, finding the right family law attorney is an important step towards getting the best resolution. A good place to start is by looking at websites for attorneys in your local area. Nearly every attorney and law firm has a website these days where you can learn how much experience an attorney has and what their credentials are. Also, look for someone who has represented clients in the same types of cases as yours. You can also look for testimonials of other clients and find out what makes one attorney stand out from the others.

Another detail to consider is whether you want a family law attorney who also provides mediation services. Mediation offers a more private and affordable method of resolving disputes that is especially beneficial when the dispute involves children. Family law attorney, Pamela Breedlove of the Breedlove Law Firm tells clients that “Protecting innocent members of the family is as important as any other priority.” If you decide to use mediation, you will want to find an experienced attorney who offers their services as a mediator in family law disputes.

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Schedule a Consultation

Once you have narrowed your choice down to two or three attorneys, schedule a consultation with the top choice on your list. The initial consultation is your opportunity to not only have the attorney evaluate your case; but also to get to know them and decide if they are a good fit for your needs. To get the most from your consultation, you will need to put some time and effort in preparation so that you can get as much accomplished during your appointment as possible.

• Make Copies of All Pertinent Documents – The attorney will need to see all of the documents related to your case to make an accurate evaluation. Don’t bring originals since you have not made your final decision yet.
•  Write Down Important Details and Questions – It is easy to forget important details when you leave them to memory. Make a list of details that you feel may have a bearing on your case and any questions that you need answered.
• Be Upfront – Anything that you try to keep to yourself could have an impact on your case later on. The attorney is bound to respecting your privacy and does not have the right to discuss any of the details of the case with anyone else without your permission.
• Ask About Their Fees – Even if an attorney works on contingency and you don’t have to pay until the case is over, you need to know what they charge before you end up with an unhappy surprise at the end. If you need to set up a payment plan, this is your chance to find out if that is an option that is open to you.

If you feel that you have found the right family law attorney for your needs, let them know that you are prepared to follow their advice on how to go forward with your case. Doing what your lawyer tells you to do will help improve your chances of winning your case.