The end of a marriage or relationship can be challenging for everyone involved. It can be a tough time, and it’s when you need the most support and guidance. At this point, you may need a family law lawyer. Seeking the advice of a family lawyer can be the best option, as they can help couples work through their problems and disputes, and negotiate their terms and agreements in a civil and respectful setting. This allows all parties involved to avoid further emotional distress and pain, while achieving an outcome that is acceptable for everyone.
A family lawyer can help with a range of legal issues, including:
- Divorce
- Separation
- Property settlement
- Parenting arrangements
- Child support
- Financial agreements
But how do you know when you’ve found a good family lawyer?
How to Choose a Good Family Lawyer
There are many factors to consider when seeking a family lawyer. Ideally, they should:
Have Excellent Knowledge of the Relevant Law
Your lawyer should know how the law applies in your situation, including the likely success of your case. As part of this, they should also have the required skills and experience to work with complex family law cases, including cases similar to yours. This can indicate that they are the best family lawyer for you as they can prove they will provide effective support and appropriate advice.
Be Clear Communicators
If you are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the law, it can be difficult to follow the process. That’s why good Family Court lawyers and family lawyers in general will be able to explain each step to you clearly. You should also feel like you can ask any questions you may have to ensure you are fully informed when making any decisions.
Have Excellent Problem-Solving & Negotiation Skills
If you are contacting a family lawyer, it is likely your case is not straightforward. Therefore, a lawyer who can find innovative solutions and work with all parties to achieve an acceptable outcome is important. As part of this, they will need to have excellent people skills to quickly connect with all relevant party members and encourage collaboration where possible.
Be Empathetic, Sensitive & Honest
Everyone’s family situation is different. A good lawyer will understand this, as well as that this may be a difficult and emotional time. Therefore, you should feel comfortable expressing your feelings and feel that you are heard. However, the best family lawyers are those that balance this compassion with honesty. They will tell you what you need to hear, rather than what you simply want to hear.
Have a Positive Reputation & Be Trustworthy
As with any service provider you engage, you want to choose a lawyer who has a positive reputation and you feel you can trust. When looking for family lawyers near you, remember to check any available reviews and feedback to get a sense of their abilities and if they will be a good fit for you. You may also like to ask trusted friends and family members if they have any recommendations.
Be Passionate About Their Cases
You want a family lawyer who not only takes your case seriously but is driven to do their best. This is particularly pertinent if children are involved — their best interests and welfare should always be top priority. As part of this, a passionate lawyer is one who works effectively and efficiently. This ensures that the process is not drawn out and allows everyone to pass through the period of upheaval as quickly as possible.
It can take some time to find a lawyer who possesses all these qualities. However, making the effort at this stage will be extremely worthwhile in the long run.
I’m Ready to Find a Family Lawyer Near Me
Now you know what to look for in a family lawyer, you can start your search. As mentioned above, you may like to start by speaking with friends and family members you trust. They may be able to point you in the right direction or recommend a suitable lawyer or firm.
However, you can also search on the internet. Remember to be smart about your searching to ensure that you only find results for credible and experienced lawyers. For instance, start your search on government or professional websites, like the Law Institute of Victoria.
As you look at potential lawyers, remember to check their area of law. You want to be sure they can help you with your case and provide relevant advice. From there, you can start putting together a list of lawyers to contact.
It’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready to ask when you first speak with the lawyer so you can make the best use of the time. This will also help to ensure you don’t forget to ask anything and fully understand how they can help you. Some questions to start with can include:
- What are your qualifications?
- Do you have experience with my kind of problem?
- What kind of clients do you regularly work with?
- Can you give me an estimate as to how long this will take?
- What do you think my chances of a successful case are?
Choose the lawyer who best meets your needs and the criteria listed above.
Looking for the Best Family Lawyers in Melbourne?
However, you may not need to look far to find a suitable family lawyer for you. If you live in Melbourne, or the greater Victorian area, you can connect with the family lawyers at Duffy & Simon.
Our team are experienced family lawyers that provide legal support and guidance on a range of family law issues. We will guide you through the process, doing our very best to make it as easy as possible. Additionally, we always have our clients’ best interests at heart, so we will do what we can to get you and your family your desired outcome. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.