Things to Consider in Hiring a Family Law Lawyer (By Allison McAlpine)

If you are going through a separation or divorce you are likely experiencing a wide range of emotions.  Some clients feel embarrassed, ashamed, vulnerable, and scared when it comes to hiring a family law lawyer.  These feelings are normal.  A lot of clients have never met a lawyer before, so it is understandable that they would feel uneasy with the process.  Additionally, most clients have never been through a separation or divorce before and do not know the processes involved and the road ahead of them.  This also creates a significant amount of anxiety and fear for clients.   

If you are going through a separation or divorce, you should see a lawyer as soon as possible to find out your potential rights and obligations and steps you can take to protect your rights going forward.  

Here are some factors we would recommend in hiring a family law lawyer:

·         Ensure you feel comfortable with your lawyer – you need to be able to tell your lawyer anything having to do with your case.

·         You should trust your lawyer – you need to be able to trust the information and advice your lawyer provides.

·         Your lawyer should be timely in providing responses to your inquiries – it should not take more than a few days for your lawyer to respond to your inquiries, even if the response is to let you know that they have received your communication, cannot respond now, but will provide you with a response by a certain date.

·         You should be provided with a detailed breakdown of your fees when you are billed – you should not be left questioning what you were billed for.

·         You and your lawyer should be on the same page about the strategy of your case and how it should proceed.

·         You should be the one giving instructions and making the decisions on the process, and direction of your case, subject to the advice of your lawyer.

·         You should like your lawyer – you will be spending a lot of time with your lawyer and you should get along with him or her.

·         Your lawyer should recommend alternatives to Court when appropriate – sometimes court is necessary and required, but often it isn’t as a first step – there are other alternatives to Court to resolve issues in the majority of cases.

 

By considering these factors in hiring your lawyer, you and your family law lawyer should work effectively together on your matter which increases your chance of success.

If at any point you are unhappy with your lawyer, you should address this with your lawyer immediately.  If the issue is one that cannot be resolved, you are not stuck with your lawyer for the balance of your case.  You always have the choice to end the solicitor-client relationship and hire a new lawyer. 

At Chapman McAlpine Law we realize the trust that our clients place in us and we are honoured to work with our clients.  We have no doubt that you will enjoy working with our firm.  Please contact us for a consultation at 705-302-3696.