Selecting a family lawyer may well be one of the very most important decisions you’ve previously taken. Divorce, child custody and financial settlements – if you are going through a divorce or need to sort out arrangements for your children then the appropriate legal advice is essential but finding the right lawyer can make all this quicker, easier, less stressful and more successful. How do you separate the good from the bad and find one that will fit with your family? Here’s what to look for.
Specialisation and Experience
Family law is said to be a very emotional type of law. You will want a solicitor with experience in family, not just general practice. Search for someone who has a good track record in circumstances local to your own, such as divorce or matrimonial matters involving children and domestic abuse. Enquire how many cases like yours they have handled and what the results were. For Family Law Solicitors Gloucester, visit https://deeandgriffin.co.uk/personal-legal-services/family-law-solicitors/gloucester/
Communication and Empathy
The thing is, family law goes beyond a mere mastery of the law – it’s about human nature. A good solicitor will listen, explain and relate to your case. Check if they listen to you and respect what you want during the initial consultation. A good sign that they might not be the right person is when they are dismissive or too formal.
Transparent Pricing
When you are paying a lot in legal fees, having transparency is paramount. An excellent family solicitor provides you with a comprehensive cost estimate before commencement, will clarify their billing structure and advise of payment options. Steer clear of solicitors who are vague about fees or hesitant to provide estimates.
Approachability and Availability
You should have a solicitor that you can speak to when required, whenever the requirement may come up. Enquire about how they correspond with clients or will send responsive feedback to your email? Can you reach them by phone? Are you dealing directly with the solicitor or being passed to junior staff? What helps is to feel supported along the way.
Reputation and Reviews
Research is your friend. Online reviews, word of mouth recommendations from friends or family members and reputation with the local community is always a safe way to go. Memberships of professional accreditations, as members in the Law Society’s Family Law Panel also denote expertise and quality.
Your Gut Feeling
Finally, trust your instincts. This person is probably going to hear some of the most intimate, sometimes painful stuff. If things do not seem right during your consultation whether it be attitude, how they will approach or their communication with you, by all means keep looking!
