Most people won’t ever have to consult a law firm for family matters, but in the worst-case scenario where you need one, here’s some helpful advice for what to look at to make sure you pick the best lawyer to fit your needs.

Why you would need one

Normally a family lawyer is brought in when the relationship starts to have complications like a divorce or a split for those that are unmarried. During these times assets like property, finances and the welfare of any children are handled by the solicitor and an agreement on what happens with them is met through the legal system either in or out of court.

The hired lawyer can also act as a temporary conduit for communication if both parties are no longer on speaking terms with each other.

When did they start practising?

When choosing your legal representative, a good way to judge their quality is how long they have been working as a lawyer. Although you could argue that someone fresh out of university could be just as effective as that’s been practicing for 20 or so years, a general rule of thumb is someone with at least a few years of law under their belt would be most suitable.

Are they recommended?

Think of your choice as if you were picking a restaurant. Would you choose a restaurant that is not well known, or would you pick one that comes with a lot of good reviews either online or through word of mouth? You should take your time to do your research on the practice and the individual team, see if anyone recommends them, what services they offer and their rates.

Get as much information as you can to make the most informed choice possible.

Get to know them first

As you’re shopping around for your solicitors you should take some time to get to know them and how they act around you. After all, you don’t want a stranger being involved in such a potentially delicate situation.

Be aware of how they answer your questions, especially if it revolves around the costs of their services. If you can’t get a straight answer, then try elsewhere. The same goes for their behaviour during your meetings, if they spend a lot of time looking at the clock, then they’re not giving you and, in the future, your entire case their full attention. A good lawyer (like Jennifer Croker, for instance), would pay attention to your every word if they’re interested in fighting your case.

They should also discuss all your options and explain the entire process, so nothing is missed out. If you leave a meeting without a clear picture of what’s going on, then something has gone very wrong. If you’re looking for legal representation to solve a family dispute or are curious if you even qualify for aid, then take some time to find the best solicitor that is available and see what they can do for you.