3. Talk to the lawyer
Question & Answer
Where can I find a lawyer to help with my family law issue?You may need to call a few lawyers before finding one that will take your case and you're comfortable with.
When you meet with a lawyer or talk to them on the phone, remember that you're also interviewing them. They are not just getting information about you. You're deciding if you want to hire them to help you with your legal problem.
Ask about:
- their experience in family law cases
- how they would handle your case
- how the law affects your situation
- your options
- how long they think your case will take
- what you should do next
- community services you can contact for information or help
The lawyer may not be able to answer all your questions right away. For example, they may need time to review documents.
Find out what the lawyer's fees are. Ask about:
- their hourly rate
- how much your case will likely cost
- how often they will bill you for their services
- what could cause the cost to increase
- how can you lower the cost
- if they will work with you to establish a payment plan
- how much money you need to deposit before they begin work on your case
Tell the lawyer about any needs or concerns you have like:
- for disabilities
- finding an interpreter
- safety concerns, for example, you've experienced domestic violence
- immigration concerns
Based on your conversation, decide if you want this person to be your lawyer. They should be someone you can work with and .
Generally, all the conversations you have with your lawyer are confidential, even if you decide not to hire them. This means your lawyer can't talk to others about what you have said without your permission. This includes talking to your partner. But, there may be exceptions where the safety of your child is an issue.
