How Do I Choose an Attorney That Has My Interests in Mind?

HOW DO I CHOOSE AN ATTORNEY THAT HAS MY INTERESTS IN MIND

1. Ask family and friends, review the local yellow pages and research on the internet for names of attorneys who practice in family law. Family law involves divorce, dissolution and legal separation. Write down for yourself what your concerns are; your worries; your questions and what is keeping you up at night. These are called YOUR INTERESTS or NEEDs. In your research, see which attorney emphasizes YOUR INTERESTS or YOUR NEEDS. At the same time, figure out how you are going to pay the attorney and what kind of client’s the attorney takes into his office. Family law attorneys charge by the hour and range from $200/hr to $500/hr and ask for retainers from $2500 and up. Certain attorneys only work on certain type of cases. This office normally emphasizes professional or executive divorces with at least 3 years of marriage.

   TIP: Try to get the basic information for your case to the attorney before you meet with them. Write a set of goals or things that are important to you, as well as any concerns or fears you have, and give these to your attorney. When you first meet with the attorney, tell him the best things about you, your spouse and the best things the opposing spouse will say about you. Put it in writing. Then, do the same for the worst things your spouse will say about you, and for your complaints against your spouse. Lastly prepare a list of questions to ask the attorney.

2. Call and set up an interview with two or three attorneys. Bring your list of questions and ask them one at a time. Get a feel for the office and staff. Will you be comfortable? Who will you be working with? Has the attorney had cases like this before? Also, during this interview, ask to see a ‘trial notebook’, so you can see how well organized he or she is. Get an clear understanding of attorney’s fees. Ask about ‘retainers’, ‘travel costs’, ‘experts’, ‘appraisers’, and how each is paid. Ask if the attorney can show you a sample bill – we do this for our clients – to see how a simple phone call can turn into a $50 or $100 expense, or how a trip to court can be a $700 expense. Compare notes on each office visit.

   TIP: FREE CONSULTATIONS v. FREE REPORTS: After 18 years in this business, I am not real impressed with free consults and since the launching of our web site we no longer offer them. I would rather put the answers to your questions on our web site and then give you the opportunity to study those answers at your own time and convenience by the reading of a report. That way we both gain. And, if you have a topic that you cannot find a report that answers your questions; then just email the office and I will write one for you and post it on the web site.