Some decisions are tough to make. Having someone by your side that can guide you right and help you in such conditions is crucial. But you know what’s tougher, hiring a family lawyer. They are expensive to hire, can be tough to deal with and the amount of laws and paperwork you have to deal with is insane.
Unfortunately, you absolutely need a family lawyer if you want the best professional advice when during the time of family disputes like divorce, properties etc. Without a family lawyer by your side, you will be a blindfolded wanderer in the pits of doom.
So here are 5 important tips that you should keep in mind when choosing a family lawyer for your 4th divorce –
Get Your Homework Done
You can start by collecting some references from your friends or relatives who were unfortunate enough to experience a legal family dispute. Get as much info as possible and plan for an interview. When it comes to lawyers, there are many factors that come to play-
Areas of Expertise – Does the lawyer have the experience of handling cases like yours? Is he an expert in this area or is he a general lawyer?
Experience – Experience is not the important factor but if you pair make sure the tiny amount of experience the new guy has is related to your case.
Fees – Lawyers are expensive. Good ones are hard to find and luckily if you find one then best of luck for getting him to your budget levels.
Read All the Documents Carefully
Read all the documents offered by the lawyer and make sure you understand every bit of it. One important document is the retainer agreement which highlights the contract you are signing with him for his services. Don’t be a fool to sign such documents without giving a second thought.
What’s the Bill Amount?
Hourly fees or lump sum? Daily payments or a one-time payment? These are some basic terms that you should be clear about the billing of your lawyer. Ensure you have all the payment details before anything else to avoid any surprise payment due notices in your mailbox. You should plan for the worse so don’t feel shy to ask the lawyer about what happens when you fail to make the payments.
Bonding is Important
A good lawyer is like a good friend who will not interrupt you when you are letting your heart out about your problems. He can act bossy, too. But that’s the part of hiring a good family lawyer. The one with the most expensive price tag may not pair up with you at all. Or the one from the budget aisle may become your best friend off the court to help you for a lifetime. You never know.
Have all the Documents Clear
Any detail of any document that is between you, your spouse, or relative should be cleared to the lawyer in due time. Hiding of facts should not be part of a lawyer dealing in any way. Any record of assets, debts, statements should be brought to the notice of the lawyer.