Finding the right family law attorney for your case is crucial, as it can greatly impact your chances of success. Here are six steps to help you find the perfect attorney:
Find Somebody Local
It is important to hire an attorney who practices in the county where your case will take place. Family Law practice can vary from county to county, and even judge to judge. Attorneys who are familiar with the local personalities, rules and procedures can navigate the system more effectively.
Rosen Family Law Group practices exclusively in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Washington counties. However, if you need an attorney in Westmoreland County, or Greene County, feel free to contact us for recommendations.
Find a Family Law Attorney who only practices Family Law
Just like in medicine, where you would see different specialists for different parts of your body, it is important to hire someone who concentrates exclusively on family law matters. Family Law is a complex field with ever-changing laws, and an experienced attorney who exclusively practices Family Law will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage your case effectively. Also, many of the most important “rules” in Family Law are unwritten rules that take years to learn.
Avoid hiring someone who practices multiple areas of law, such as personal injury or criminal law, along with Family Law.
Only Hire Someone You Feel Comfortable With
Family Law is a personal and intimate area of law, where your attorney may come to know more about your life than your best friend. It is important to feel comfortable sharing your personal information with your attorney. When choosing a family law attorney, ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the attorney knowing about your private life. Do they communicate in a way that makes you feel at ease and confident in their abilities?
Rosen Family Law Group is known for our "telling things as they are" approach. You need the truth, not false assurances that makes you feel better. We support you when you are right, but we also let you know if you are wrong. That way, you will never have to second guess whether or not your attorney is being honest and straightforward with you.
Hire the Firm, Not Just the Attorney
In many cases, your interactions with the law firm may involve people other than your attorney. It is important to consider the entire firm's experience and support staff when making your decision. Find out how long the office and support staff have worked at the firm, as their expertise and experience play an important role in providing quality representation. At Rosen Family Law Group, we have an experienced team of attorneys and a dedicated office manager who has been assisting our clients for over 20 years.
Avoid Hiring for the Wrong Reasons
Do not hire an attorney solely based on their reputation for being aggressive or willing to "fight" for you. While litigation may be necessary in some cases, it should be seen as a last resort. Look for an attorney who takes a collaborative approach whenever possible, as this can be more cost-effective, limit risk, and preserve relationships between co-parents.
Additionally, do not hire an attorney just because they agree with you on everything. A good Family Law attorney's job is to provide counsel and guide you towards a wise course of action, even if it differs from your preconceived ideas.
Read the Social Signs
Pay attention to the subtle signs that can indicate the quality of a law firm:
- Did the person who answered your call seem genuinely interested in helping you or more focused on selling their services?
- Did they listen to your questions and provide thoughtful and plain answers?
- Observe how the attorneys and staff interact with each other. A good firm should have a relaxed yet professional environment, where everyone feels comfortable.
- Is there initiative within the firm? A good firm allows its staff to act independently for the benefit of the clients, indicating a higher level of competence and efficiency in handling cases.
Contact Us
By following these six steps, you can increase your chances of finding the right family law attorney for your specific needs. Remember to choose someone local, dedicated solely to Family Law, and someone you feel comfortable working with. Contact us for a consultation today!
