Los Angeles Family Lawyers: What to Expect
Finding the right Los Angeles family lawyers can be a challenge.
So to help you get started, read this guide on what you should look for and what to expect.
Introduction
Some people go throughout life never needing an attorney for anything. Others, however, find themselves searching for the right attorney that can help them make sense of the law – and feel supported and represented during certain life situations. And, when it comes to those life situations that involve family matters, a family lawyer is what you need.
So, how do you find a family lawyer? What do you look for? And, what should you expect? We are going to answer all of these and more about Los Angeles family lawyers.
What Family Lawyers Do
Family lawyers handle everything that revolves around, well, family. This could be about your marriage, your children, and more. Here are a few of the most common scenarios in which a family lawyer is sought:
- Adoptions
- Alimony
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support
- Child support modification/enforcement
- Dependency hearings
- Divorce
- Domestic violence
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Mediations
Of course, keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. There is much to do when it comes to handling family matters.
Qualities to Look for in Your Family Law Attorney
Because there are many family law attorneys out there, you want to take into consideration a few important qualities. After all, just going with the first name on a Google search doesn’t mean you have found yourself a magnificent attorney. Remember, you are looking for an attorney that is a good match for you – and that can only be done when you know if he or she has the qualities you are looking for.
Wondering which qualities you should be looking for? You want a family law attorney who:
- Allows you to express yourself while making you feel comfortable doing so.
- Pays attention to your needs and answers all your questions and concerns.
- Has experience with cases that are similar to yours.
- Can share a logical – yet practical – plan to handle your case.
Determine Your Venue
You must note that you cannot hire an attorney anywhere. They have to be certified to do so in each state. In addition, you want an attorney who is familiar with the rules, laws, and judges in your particular area.
Determining the venue is the legal way of deciding which county you will file a case. Typically, this happens in the area where both parties live or else in the county where your opponent resides. In other words, for a child custody case, you would seek an attorney that practices in the county where the other parent resides, if it is different than yours.
There are always exceptions to these rules so you will want to talk it over with an attorney.
Do Your Research
Getting advice from friends and family can be helpful. Someone always knows someone who knows someone who had an attorney once. And, they think that is the perfect attorney for you. Who knows? Maybe it is. What you need to do, though, is do your research.
Find family law attorneys in your area. Then, check online reviews, check out their website, visit their social media pages. And, of course, ask around.
You don’t want to jump at the chance to meet the first attorney you see. Be diligent and do your research.
Focus on the Expertise & Honesty
You need an attorney that is competent in handling cases like yours – and that will be honest with you throughout the case. For one, you want an attorney who is confident in his or her ability to handle your case. And, you want the attorney to tell you if you don’t stand a chance. Nothing is ever cut and dry when it comes to the law, but you present the fact and the attorney interprets the law based on those facts and gives you reasonable – honest – advice.
Your family law attorney should be well-versed in family law. This goes back to hiring an attorney after you have done your due diligence. Otherwise, you will be hurting yourself – and the outcome of your case. There is a good chance you are seeking a family law attorney because you need something handled with your family. Hire someone you would trust with your family’s life.
Team Player
You want to feel like you are part of your attorney’s team. Sure, you are going to him or her for legal representation, but you don’t want to feel like you have no say when it comes to your case. Be sure that the family law attorney you hire is a team player – and lets you be a part of the team.
While you want to keep in mind that the attorney will generally know best when it comes to legal actions, let him or her know you want the communication open and you want to take part in the decision making.
Communication
Some attorneys like to talk. And, some may even talk in circles leaving you scratching your head. When you have met with a family law attorney and have discussed the details of your case, you should feel confident that there is a plan of action in place. You should have clear, direct communication with the attorney – and his or her paralegal.
Communication is necessary if you want to understand what is going on in your case, what your options are, what the strategy is, and so forth. Your attorney should:
- Review your case and discuss the options available to you in your case.
- Discuss his or her strategy and potential (hopeful) outcome.
- Give a tentative timeline for various important milestones in the case.
- Be available to answer your calls or emails promptly.
- Address any concerns or answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
Hiring a family lawyer in Los Angeles means you have a lot of options. However, when you know what it is that you are searching for, you are more equipped to weed through all of the available attorneys to find the one that is going to connect well with you – and your situation.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!