Many parents say that their children represent the most important thing about their lives. Protecting your children is an important matter. Child custody cases can be emotionally charged and it makes sense. It is crucial to have an advocate that does not have any personal stake in the outcome of the case. This will help you navigate it. How can you find the right attorney for you to achieve the best outcome?
Expertise on Family Law
Many lawyers believe that they can handle both general civil and criminal cases. They can’t keep up to date with all the cases. Ask a Louisville family law lawyer how much of his practice is Family Law. If it’s less than 75 percent, move on to the next person.
Verify that he is currently completing continuing education in Family Law. He should only attend one multi-day seminar per calendar year to review the California Family Code changes and the decisions by the Appellate and Superior Courts. Family Law is the law that experiences changes from one year to the next, sometimes with extreme consequences.
Experience is essential
You know the saying, “Everybody has to start somewhere”. Are you willing to have your case handled by an attorney A lawyer who has been in court for many years is the best option. Your attorney shouldn’t be learning for you – your family is too important.
A Louisville family attorney should have dealt with hundreds of cases and seen dozens of trials before you hire him. It is impossible to be sure that he will miss any important details. Even the most skilled lawyers can get complacent. Ask him about the current state of family law in your region and his practice habits.
Comfort in Courtroom
Did you know that lawyers with 20 years experience have never tried any case before? Although your case may not be heard in court, it is important that you hire a lawyer who will take your case to trial. Many lawyers have been trained in mediation. It is amazing when mediation works. You and your ex make the final decisions. This can lead to better co-parenting relationships.
If your attorney refuses or fails to resolve your case, you’ll need to find a new attorney. This can be expensive. Your attorney might be reluctant to go to trial. He may make concessions in order to avoid the courtroom.
History and Philosophy
What is the background of the attorney and what is his philosophy? Different attorneys are skilled at different things. Family law attorneys with accounting backgrounds may specialize in property division for clients of high net-worth. They excel at the division Lear Jets. They are not focused on child custody or visitation, but on support issues.
It is important that you understand your attorney’s background and philosophy. If there are molestation allegations, an attorney who was a District Attorney or Public Defender might be able provide insight. Your attorney should be child-centric. He should be able relate to children. He should be open-minded to what you see as best for the children.
Action plan
Before you hire an attorney, ask him to outline his strategy. Before you receive an action plan, many attorneys will require you to sign a contract. Don’t fall for this.
Before you sign up, it is crucial to fully understand the terms of your contract. It is impossible to predict how long and how much a family law case will take, but it is important to understand the goals of the attorney and the plan they have to achieve them. You should raise concerns such as lack of phone calls within 24 hours or spending caps.
Fees and Agreements
Child Custody lawyers typically charge an hourly rate. It is a smart idea to speak to several attorneys before you make an appointment. This will allow you to determine the “going rate”. The best price does not always mean the most expensive. You only get what your pay. Low hourly rates for lawyers could be offset by padding their billing.
It is also important to know the minimum amount that you can bill. For example, a Louisville family lawyer may bill in quarter-hour increments. For a phone call lasting five minutes, you will be charged the exact same amount as for a 15-minute conversation. Even if the proceeding lasts for a short time, court time can still be charged in half- or full-day increments.
You should ensure that you have read and understood the entire agreement. It is a crucial step to find a Child Custody attorney. You should trust your lawyer with your most private details. It’s worthwhile to conduct background checks before you invest any money.