Are you facing a serious legal issue related to your family? Perhaps you are facing separation or divorce and want to make certain that your side of the case is being adequately represented? Maybe you are having difficulties agreeing to child access or support issues with your ex-partner? Alternately, you could be planning a more happy event such as an adoption.
All of these situations require you to have a good grasp of family law if you want to have any hope of succeeding in your case.
Why not just any lawyer will do
When you need to find legal representation, you want someone who inspires confidence. It can be tempting to look for the legal firm with the biggest profile and the best 'sales pitch', but is that really what you need? In legal matters, expertise is the most important issue. Big offices and a winning smile may exude confidence, but that doesn't mean that you have found the best lawyer.
You must find a family law expert who knows the subject inside and out. Family law is a complex and constantly evolving area of the law, and you must find out how much experience any prospective lawyer has in working with this topic. Knowledge of the subject should be far more important to you than a smooth-tongued lawyer who has little family law experience.
What avenues are open to you?
One of the biggest mistakes that people can make about legal matters is assuming that every case will end up in the courts. It's possible that your case will be decided that way, but that shouldn't be the aim. In family law, there are lots of options open to you which could help to resolve your case without the need for a court appearance. Your representative should be able to discuss options, such as mediation or counselling, which you could pursue instead of court proceedings. Should events get as far as the court, the lawyer you choose should be competent enough to represent your case and ensure that both sides of the story are available before any decision is taken.
Whatever your reason for engaging a family lawyer, you must be satisfied that they have the right level of experience and the right level of understanding of your case to represent you accurately. Look for a lawyer who takes the time to understand what you want to accomplish and why you are committed to having your voice heard.