How to Find the Best Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles
Family matters are always delicate. That’s why with family legal cases, it’s incredibly helpful to find the best family law attorney in Los Angeles, who will ensure a proper and smooth legal process.
Read further for more details.
Introduction
Family law cases can be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting. This is true whether the issue on the table is simple (such as custody in an amicable divorce) or when it is more serious (such as allegations of abuse or neglect). Emotions tend to run high, making it extremely difficult for all parties to approach the case from a neutral, cooperative standpoint. That’s why it’s so important to work with the best family law attorney in Los Angeles from the moment you know you have a case.
A quick look through local directories will prove that you have many family lawyers available to you in LA county. But which is best, and how can you be sure you’re hiring the right person for the job?
Follow this step-by-step guide.
Check Local Advertising
Start your search for the best family law attorney in Los Angeles by simply paying attention to advertising as you go about your day. Ads for lawyers on television, on the internet, and even in local directories can provide a good starting point.
Make a shortlist of the firms or experts that best fit your needs at a glance. Then, telephone each to ask if they’re taking on clients. If they are, ask whether they offer a free consultation or introductory meeting where you can ask questions.
Remember that all advertising should be subject to skeptical review by the person being advertised to (that’s you). If an offer seems too good to be true, or an advertised lawyer seems to dodge questions, ask for their license number. Then, call the California Bar to confirm the license is active and in good standing.
While scams are uncommon, they can – and do – sometimes happen. It pays to be cautious.
Ask Your Current Legal Services Provider
Do you currently work with a law firm on a separate issue? Even if they don’t practice family law, they may be able to help you find someone who does. Most lawyers maintain close relationships with other legal experts for this specific reason – it allows them to refer out to another specialist as the need arises.
Don’t be afraid to share your needs and ask for a referral. It’s a bit like having your GP refer you to a cardiologist when you need a specific procedure.
Ask Your Friends
Friends and family (perhaps with the exception of other persons involved in your case) can also be a great resource when it comes to finding family lawyers. Ask them who, if anyone, they have worked with before. Were they happy with the experience? Did they feel the attorney or firm was capable and adept? If so, they may be a strong contender for helping you with your case, too.
However, there is one quick caveat associated with this method. Be wary of anyone referring you to a friend or relative. While they may feel the lawyer is the best in town due to their pre-existing relationship, such a reference is inherently biased. It’s up to you to determine if the lawyer is truly the right fit.
Call a Lawyer Referral Service
A lawyer referral service is a business that specializes in helping people find and connect with lawyers that best suit their needs. They maintain an exhaustive in-house database of participating lawyers with a proven track record of success. All you have to do to inquire about your options is call and provide the representative you speak to a quick overview of your needs – they’ll handle the rest.
In the state of California, all lawyer referral services are licensed and regulated by the Bar. This, combined with constant updates to the in-house database that effectively “weed out” any legal expert who is questionable in some way, helps to ensure that any referrals given are truly in your best interest.
This is by far the most trustworthy and effective way to find a family lawyer. But if you have concerns about handing over control of your search to someone else, please know that referral services work hard to ensure your freedom to choose. Have the service schedule a consultation for you, or ask for the contact numbers and call each lawyer suggested instead. There are no risks, the call is free, and who you hire – or don’t hire – remains entirely up to you.
At Your First Consultation
In nearly all cases, you’ll start to explore whether a lawyer is truly right for you with a free consultation. This 15 to 30-minute appointment gives both you and the legal expert the opportunity to get to know one another and discuss the basics of your case. It’s also an ideal time to get a feel for how you work together.
Use this time to ask any pressing questions you might want answered, but be aware that the lawyer probably won’t give you true legal advice until you hire them. This is simply a result of the fact that expert legal advice takes time, and a consultation really doesn’t provide enough time to meaningfully dig into the issue at hand.
Other important topics to cover in your initial consultation include the lawyer’s history, which area of law they specialize in, and their average success rate. You can also ask about payment terms, processes for communicating, whether or not the lawyer can represent you in court, and if they provide document filing processing services, should that be something you need help with.
Ask for an Estimate
Lastly, don’t be afraid to also ask for an estimate. Whether the family lawyer charges by the hour, on a contingency, or on a flat rate, they should be willing and able to provide you with an estimation of costs associated with your case. This important step helps you determine whether or not you can afford to hire them in the first place.
Be cautious of lawyers who refuse to answer your questions, especially where payment terms or fees are concerned. While it’s rare, this can be a red flag for scams or unscrupulous providers who are only out for your money.
Conclusion
Have you been affected by a family law case? Don’t take chances on the outcome or try to self-represent. Call a lawyer referral service and get connected with a trustworthy lawyer who can protect your interests right now.
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