Going to family court is typically something people avoid doing on their own. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can help you steer clear of common legal issues and help you feel more confident during your court proceedings.
However, a family lawyer doesn’t just represent you in court — they also draft up any necessary legal documents and advise you on the best course of action throughout your case.
As you can imagine, choosing the right attorney is an important (and pricey) decision, so you’ll want to make sure you make the right choice. Here are three tips to help you decide on the best one for your situation.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, look into each lawyer’s background and experience. Do they have expertise in what you’re looking for? How many years experience do they have?
Although a general family lawyer can certainly help you with your case, wouldn’t you feel more comfortable working with someone who specializes in what you need? For example, you may want a divorce attorney who fully understands the intricacies of divorce law in your province.
Consider asking for recommendations from people in your network. Family members, friends, and colleagues may all be able to provide some prospects for you.
You’ll have to be in contact with your attorney regularly, so make sure that this is someone you mesh well and don’t mind communicating with. You may have to disclose potentially embarrassing or confidential information to them, so having a lawyer you’re comfortable with is key.
Assess their personality and communication skills when you first get in contact with them. Observe whether they listen to your questions and concerns and address them accordingly. See if they’re able to explain things in a way that makes sense to you, especially since litigation can be confusing.
Trust your intuition. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, that’s a sign to look elsewhere.
You’ll also want to know how much you can expect to pay your family attorney before you begin working with them. Otherwise, you can get hit with an exorbitant bill you can’t afford once the case is over.
In the best case scenarios, they will provide you with a flat fee upfront so you don't have any nasty surprises down the road.
When you’re in need of a family lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area, choose Atlas Law Group.
We’ve brought our law services into the 21st century, with modernized processes to make things easier for you. For example, we’ve streamlined discussions so that you only need to come into our office once — which is especially helpful if you don’t live in the immediate area.
We’ve also transitioned into doing as much as possible online, from negotiations to signing documents, because we understand that your time is valuable.
Contact us today using the form on our website to schedule your consultation, or send us an email at support@atlaslawgroup.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
