How to Choose Your Family Law Attorney
There are many questions you should ask when you meet with a New Jersey family law attorney. Ask about the skill level of the attorney, the plans he or she has for your case, and the attorney’s fees. But don’t stop there.
7 Questions To Ask When Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Because the stakes are high in any divorce case, as your children and often a great deal of money are at issue, you need to ensure that the attorney you hire is capable and confident in representing your interests. Here is a list of suggested questions that a competent family law attorney will be able to answer, and how the attorneys at Shane and White, LLC, match up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenneth A. White is a Certified Matrimonial Attorney and Lauren A. Miceli has experience working in multiple courthouses, all within the family law division. They each have a strong background in family law that benefits their clients immensely.
Kenneth A. White is a Certified Matrimonial Attorney. Currently, fewer than 3 percent of active New Jersey attorneys hold any type of board certification. Certification requires that the attorney demonstrate a high level of experience, education, knowledge and skill in the area of law, as well as an unblemished reputation. The lawyer has also been positively rated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work. The lawyer must also pass an additional family law exam.
You’ve Asked the Questions Now What
Before retaining a law firm, take a moment to think about the lawyer’s answers to your questions. How comfortable did you feel at the end of the conversation with the attorney? Did you receive direct and responsive answers to these questions? Do you feel at ease with the attorney?
Remember that the initial consultation is as much about you discovering whether the lawyer is a good fit for you as it is the attorney agreeing to take your case. Do not retain a law firm based on a big name alone. It is also important for you to feel comfortable working with the attorney to resolve personal and challenging family law matters.
Please Read Retainer Agreement
Depending on the answers you received from the potential attorney, you should continue with requesting information regarding the fee structure used by the firm.
Take your time reading the Retainer Agreement, and read it carefully. It is a contract between you and your attorney. Upon signing the agreement, you will be obligated to pay for the services provided to you. Every attorney should provide you with sufficient time to review the Agreement in the law office or to take the agreement home to review it with friends or relatives prior to signing.
Please Read Retainer Agreement
- How do you structure your fees?
- What is your hourly rate?
- Are there different rates for different attorneys in the office
- Will other attorneys or paralegals be working on my case?
- Will you bill me for additional charges such as photocopies, faxes, mileage for travel? And at what rates?
- Will I receive a copy of everything you do, whether you send it to the Court or to the other party?
- Do I, as the client, have any obligations under your retainer agreement?
