How to Choose a Family Law Attorney
It’s easy to find a family law attorney; google “family attorney Little Rock” and you get dozens, if not hundreds, of results. Finding the right family attorney can be a little more difficult. There are many things you want to think about when looking for an attorney to help you through this difficult time, we think the three most important considerations when hiring a family law attorney are trust, experience, and availability.
TRUST. We think this goes without saying, but at the core of an attorney-client relationship is trust. This is even more important in cases involving divorce. In family cases, you may have to reveal deeply personal information such as intimate details of your relationship or information about your finances. Find a lawyer you can trust not only to keep that information private (which we are all ethically bound to do) but one you can feel comfortable telling that information to. If you have an initial consultation with the attorney and do not feel comfortable with them, they are probably not a good fit for you.
EXPERIENCE. You wouldn’t hire an employment law attorney to handle your criminal case, would you? (We hope you answered “no”). When hiring a family attorney, we think it is not only important that the attorney have experience in family law, but also that the attorney has experience of practicing in a courtroom. Too many times, divorces begin amicably only to end up in court. Make sure your attorney is both familiar with the laws and comfortable in the courtroom so that you can be sure that your interests are secure.
AVAILABILITY. Look for an attorney who is respectful of your time and money. Yes, attorneys get busy. There are court dates and meetings and documents to write and there will be times when an attorney cannot respond to you right away. Communication is crucial to any type of representation, especially when children are involved. Find an attorney who makes time for you.
