A family law attorney is a helpful resource when it comes to legal matters related to family events. These attorneys handle a variety of legal cases involving marriage, minor children, and elderly parents. Some law firms specialize in a specific field of law, while others represent all types of cases.

The selection of a family law attorney should be carefully considered. This is particularly important when hiring attorneys to represent minor children or establishing guardianship for parents suffering from conditions that limit mental abilities, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

It may be beneficial to consult with three or more law firms to meet face-to-face with attorneys and staff members. Clients often spend considerable time with legal counsel, so it can be helpful to work with an attorney whose personality reassures them.

Taking the time to interview candidates can help clients select the most appropriate attorney for the task at hand. You can also minimize the chance of changing attorneys in the middle of the case.

There are many options available for finding a good attorney. Many people get referrals from family and friends. Others use lawyer referral networks or conduct research online. Some use phone books.

A common mistake people make is selecting attorneys based on the size of their phone book advertising. It is important to realize that large advertisements do not necessarily equate to being the best attorney.

One option to reduce the time spent searching for a suitable law firm is the American Bar Association. Although the ABA does not provide direct references, they do publish a list of attorneys nationwide who are current with the organization on AmericanBar.org.

Lawyer referral networks are another option for finding family law lawyers. Some referral networks charge a fee, while others offer ancillary services. It is seldom necessary to pay someone to help you find attorneys, so proceed with caution when evaluating fees.

Once 3 or 4 law firms have been located, it is time to set up an initial consultation. Law firms often offer free welcome sessions, but some charge a nominal fee. Be sure to determine the rates before scheduling the appointment.

Ask to meet with all staff members who will be working on the case. It is common practice for attorneys to enlist the help of paralegals and administrative assistants to reduce legal fees. Clients should feel comfortable with all staff members, but especially those with whom they will work closely.

It is important to establish legal fees before hiring law firms. Legal fees are generally based on the type of case involved. One-time events, such as the drafting of prenuptial agreements or the filing of legal name changes, are generally billed at a flat rate. Ongoing cases that require brief appearances or a thorough investigation are generally billed at an hourly rate.

Most attorneys require an advance fee to represent ongoing cases. This fee is usually around 25 percent of the anticipated fees. Attorneys often demand full payment when services are rendered, while others send monthly bills.

Clients requiring payment plans should discuss the terms in advance to ensure timely access to legal counsel. Keeping up with payments is critical; otherwise, attorneys may refuse to provide legal advice.

One way to reduce legal expenses is to always be organized and prepared for meetings. It is useful to keep the case documents organized in a dedicated file folder. Always keep a record of telephone conversations, face-to-face meetings, and email correspondence with the attorney and family law staff, and keep copies of all documents related to the case.