5 tips for finding the right family lawyer

Knowing where to go and what to look for in a family lawyer can be overwhelming, especially at such a difficult time in your life. Keep in mind that you will have to discuss some very personal issues including your children, your assets, and your financial circumstances, so finding a lawyer you feel comfortable working with is important.

Here are some tips to help you find the right family lawyer for you:

1. Find a problem solver – look for a lawyer who will take time to understand your matter and present different resolution options. Ordinarily, litigation ought to be the last resort – there are many options for resolving your dispute including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, collaborative practice and more. So, find a lawyer with the experience and expertise who can help you understand the range of alternative dispute methods available and help you consider what might be the most suitable approach for your circumstances.
2. Start a conversation – make a quick call and speak with the lawyer you are thinking about working with. With a brief conversation, you will get a better sense about whether the approach the lawyer will take is suited to you. Look for a lawyer who structures their professional services to achieve the best possible result for your circumstances. Avoid the one-size-fits all approach.
3. Listen (even if it is not what you want to hear) – you want a lawyer to advise you about your legal rights and obligations. It is important that you are confident about your lawyer’s professional skills, as well as their ability to communicate clearly with you in a way that you will understand. Try not to be discouraged if the lawyer tells you something that you do not want to hear. Your first reaction may to be to look for someone else, but chances are you will be better off with a lawyer that gives you honest and practical advice, rather than one who is going to sugar coat the truth.
4. Look for flexibility – look for a lawyer who understands the value of liaising with other professionals, where needed, such as counsellors, accountants, and financial advisers, so that you can take a holistic view of your situation. You also want a lawyer who will work with you to minimise the impact of legal disputes on your children.
5. Spend wisely – find a lawyer who takes both a strategic and pragmatic approach and understands that you need help finding a resolution in a cost-effective way. Speak early and openly about costs so that you make an informed choice about the lawyer you choose to work with.

For more than 50 years, Barry Nilsson Lawyers has provided advice and support to people going through a relationship breakdown or a change in their family circumstances. We have extensive experience working with clients nationally and internationally.

We can provide you with advice in a way that best suits you – this may be in person, in writing, by phone, by video conference facility, or email.

If you, or someone you know, need family law advice, we invite you to get in touch.