So, you and your spouse have decided to part ways and file for divorce. It’s never an easy route to take, especially if kids are involved.
We wish we could say that what follows is a simple legal process. But as experienced family law attorneys in Utah, we can tell you that the legal team you hire can certainly help make the process smoother and less stressful.
Before you finalize a family law attorney, you should know that not all lawyers are made equal. You’ll need to do some groundwork to make sure you get the right one in your corner.
Asking a few important questions before hiring them will help you pick the best one for your specific case.
Here’s what you should ask potential Utah family law attorneys.
10 Questions to Ask a Family Law Attorney
1. How Long Have You Been Practicing Family Law?
Asking this question will help you make sure that the family law attorney you hire is experienced enough to understand how complicated your case is and can determine exactly what it needs.
A lawyer who’s still learning the ropes of family law might not be able to tackle the minutest details of a complex case because they may lack knowledge and experience.
However, this doesn’t mean a new family law attorney should never be hired. You can certainly consider them if your case is simple.
2. Have You Handled Cases Like Mine Before?
Be as specific as you can with this question. Remember, the total number of family law cases handled by the lawyer and handling cases similar to yours are two different things. You want answers to the latter.
Family law attorneys deal with different kinds of family law cases. So even if a potential lawyer has handled thousands of family law cases, only a handful of those might fall into the same category as yours.
Along with that, inquire about how many cases like yours have been represented in an actual courtroom trial and the results achieved.
3. Who Will Be Working on My Case?
Depending on the complexity of your case, the family law attorney you consult initially may not be the only one to handle it. Some cases require assistance from extra associates and paralegals. If a case is particularly complex, a private investigator may also get involved.
You should know exactly how many individuals are working on your case, along with their experience in handling such matters. Ask your Utah family law attorney if they’ve worked with these professionals in the past as well as the cost of their services.
4. How Long Do You Take to Respond to Calls and Emails?
Your family law attorney must keep you abreast of the latest developments and new information related to your case. They should, therefore, be proactive in their communication. If they miss your call, they should call back at the earliest. Your emails should be answered within 24 hours.
When discussing this aspect, ask the potential lawyer about their preferred method of communication. Using that medium will get you a faster response from them.
5. What Are the Possible Hiccups in My Case?
No two cases are the same. Every case comes with its own set of challenges. If, during the initial consultation, a potential lawyer tells you there are no problems in your case, think twice before hiring them. They could take you for a ride.
Of course, not all challenges are equally serious. The right family law attorney can and will help you surpass almost all of them.
6. What Are Your Fees?
An experienced and result-oriented family law attorney won’t come cheap, which is why you want to be sure you’re hiring a reliable one. This way, you can rest assured that the money spent is worth it.
It’s only natural to want to know the price range you’ll be considering. So don’t hesitate to ask about their fees. After all, you don’t want to be saddled with surprise costs, like travel fees or court-related costs, out of the blue.
Further, ask the Utah family law attorney You’re consider the payment structure, methods, and timelines so you can know if you can afford their services and pay your bill on time.
7. What’s Your Strategy for My Case?
Depending on their knowledge and skills, family law attorneys have their own way of handling cases. Some lawyers may be more aggressive than others. Others might choose to take a compassionate approach if children are involved.
Asking this question will help you ascertain if the Utah family law attorney you’re considering is on the same page as you. If you disagree with their approach, you’ll be better off working with another lawyer.
8. What Laws Are Applicable to My Case?
The family law attorney’s answer to this question will give you a fair idea of their grasp of the various related laws and statutes applicable in Utah. You’ll also be able to gauge if they know how to apply specific laws to your case for an advantageous result.
9. What Kind of Outcome Can I Expect?
When you discuss your case facts with a potential family law attorney, chances are they’ll already have a few ideas of what the outcome could be like. They’ll be able to clue you in accordingly so you can understand if your goals are achievable. If not, they might ask you to change a few things.
While most reputed Utah family law attorneys will give you a straightforward answer, beware of lawyers who make tall promises about getting you everything you want. It’s almost impossible for lawyers to predict the final fate of any case in the initial stages.
10. What’s My Role in the Case?
Before you dive into the case, you will need to know what your family law attorney expects from you to set the stage for a productive working relationship. So, ask the lawyer everything – from communicating with different parties to obtaining documentation and submitting the paperwork on time. Find out what you can do to help make the case a success.
Hire the Right Utah Family Law Attorney for Your Case
Whether you’re getting a divorce or stuck in a messy custody case, you’ll be better off with a seasoned family law attorney by your side. The strong representation they offer will help you achieve positive outcomes in your case.
Of course, it all begins with finding the most suitable lawyer for your requirements. Asking the above-mentioned questions is a great way to land yourself the right Utah family law attorney.
Do reach out to Jeremy Atwood Law for sound legal guidance and qualified representation in family law matters. Call (801) 682-5234 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.