Family Lawyers: How to choose the right one

It comes as no surprise that going through a separation can be painful, stressful, and potentially traumatic especially if children are involved. There are numerous issues to consider: child support, spousal support, custody and an access schedule, distribution of property and exclusions etc. Separation often leads to financial issues as joint ownership breaks down. Financial hardships directly affect your standard of living and therefore, you need a good family lawyer.

Why should you consider hiring a lawyer in the first place?

A lot of people are in the works of separating amicably but still wonder if they should hire a lawyer. A lawyer can only benefit the process by providing you with necessary advice and an explanation in plain terms of how all that legal terminology affects your interests. Separation agreements can leave you with lasting repercussions in terms of obligations or inconveniences if you are not advised of your rights and responsibilities properly. Family lawyers are a good investment at the separation stage as they can save you the legal troubles you may encounter in the long run.

Here is a short list of what you need to consider when making your decision:

1. Experience

Experience is important, but in many cases lawyers work with a support system. This support system is of much greater value behind the scenes, as a team would be looking after you. In many cases the expertise of multiple lawyers and support staff are behind the name that you hired for your matter. Ultimately, adequate knowledge is important.

2. Expertise

It would be worth your time to research potential lawyers that may be right for your matter. Family law overlaps many different areas of life and some lawyers may have more knowledge than others regarding the issues you are facing. Often times the areas that a lawyer specializes in are posted online. They may make specific mentions of issues (ie. FRO issues, litigation, mediation, adoption, FACS, etc.).

3. Fees

It is best to consider the cost of the services you need. Generally, an hourly fee may be charged to your account. Certain services may be charged at a flat fee instead. Some lawyers choose not to charge for the initial consultation whereas others will. Support staff or other licensees (ie. lawyer or paralegal) could appear on your account depending on who works on your matter, and they each may have a different hourly rate. These details should be outlined in the retainer letter or retainer agreement.

4. Read your retainer agreement

A retainer agreement should be provided to you in a written format. This agreement outlines the services that will be offered, respective fees, how payment will be handled and details regarding your invoices. It is important to review this agreement as it states your responsibilities as a client and details regarding your lawyer-client relationship.

5. Is it a good fit?

It is important to be able to work with your lawyer. The benefits of the initial consultation outweigh the cost. You may be able to form an opinion whether it is a good fit after the initial consultation. Not only that, but you can get relevant legal advice during the consultation that will help you make informed decisions. Your lawyer’s attitude and demeanor will be telling in whether they will help you attain your goals and objectives.

6. Financial documents

Yes, you should have all your financial documents with you during your first consultation, including your partner’s. Being efficient will benefit your account and your ability to receive timely and appropriate legal advice. Here are some examples of documents you should bring with you: mortgage statements, bank accounts, current income statements, tax-related documents etc.

Waiting too long to find a lawyer can impact your matter. Avoid delays and opportunities in Court by choosing to work with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Choose to move forward in life and contact us today at 519-829-4853 or info@saglaw.ca to discuss your matter. Our office is located in Guelph, Ontario; we service all surrounding cities and and rural areas.