Questions To Ask A Family Lawyer During Your Initial Consultation
It is your right to ensure that the family lawyer you intend to hire as your legal representative has what it takes to handle your case diligently. Unfortunately, many people believe it may sound discourteous and disrespectful to solicit a lawyer regarding their expertise, specialties, and the approach they shall use to build a solid case. The latter is an utterly false assumption and may lead to unnecessary financial and emotional losses on your side.
Remember that divorce and separation are crucial issues that have a long-lasting impact on your life and that of your children. A minor misstep in this regard may mean the difference between winning or losing a case. Thus, it is imperative that you ensure you are getting the right legal services. Accordingly, The Divorce Company proudly stands out in the crowd of typical family lawyers in Edmonton by encouraging an initial question and answer session.
In order to emphasize our sentiments, we go against the norm. We offer an initial no-cost consultation to encourage our clients to interview us before entrusting their confidential family matters to us. Not only will this opportunity allow you to evaluate our exceptional services and areas of expertise, but it will also provide you with a chance to discuss the basic parameters of your case. Clearly, this level of service excellence is incomparable.
If the above still does not steer you in the right direction, we present this blog post with the most relevant and crucial questions you can ask us or any other divorce lawyer in Edmonton. If a lawyer hesitates and objects to your questions, know that you are falling into the wrong hands.
Read Also: The Need For Reputable Family Lawyers When Filing A Divorce
What Is Your Area Of Expertise And Level Of Experience?
You must understand that legal representation is a service. Thus, quality should be your biggest concern, as is the case when you seek all other types of services. Accordingly, the first and the most critical question you will ask will be regarding their area of expertise.
Clearly, it is not enough to simply know that a lawyer provides family law services. The aforementioned term is quite vast, and there is a possibility that you might need expertise in particular areas such as child decision-making or property division.
Similarly, requesting them to share their experience handling similar cases is also a good idea. This will give you a clear picture of how well-versed a lawyer is in a specific area.
How Will You Charge Me, And What Is The Estimated Cost?
Naturally, the relevant cost is the next stop. In order to avoid any discrepancies regarding the matter, it is better to keep things as straightforward as possible from the start. Ask your prospective lawyer about their billing policies and whether you might incur any additional charges. Also, request a rough estimate of the total cost to see whether it is within your budget.
Most lawyers in Edmonton will request an initial retainer and charge you a fixed hourly rate.
Will There Be Anyone Else From Your Office Working On My Case?
If you are dealing with a reputed divorce law firm like The Divorce Company, there is a high chance that they will draw from the expertise and knowledge of individuals in areas apart from the law, such as finance. Therefore, ask your lawyer whether they will be collaborating with anyone else.
What Will Be The Mode And Frequency Of Our Communication?
For optimum results in sensitive issues like divorce, communication is the key. Hence, you should also ask your lawyer about the best way to get in touch with them. Likewise, knowing how often you can expect a word with them will also keep your mind at peace and at bay.
What Are The Strengths And Weaknesses Of My Case?
Once you have discussed the fundamentals of the service itself, it would be great to briefly scrutinize the case too. In order to get a glimpse of your position in the case, you must ask your lawyer to provide their initial understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
How Will You Approach My Case?
Even though you are not a legal expert, leaving everything to a lawyer is not a good idea as it demonstrates a lack of interest in the case. In order to show the lawyer that the case is of utmost importance, request that they share a rough idea of the strategy they shall use for your case.
What Do You Think Is The Most Likely Outcome?
Needless to say, you would also want to know what the likely outcome of your case will be after the above discussion. Although it is too soon to pinpoint the exact results, knowing the likely outcome will help steer your efforts in the right direction.
Is There A More Affordable Alternative To Resolve My Issues?
If cost and time are crucial to you or you believe litigation is unnecessary, ask your lawyer if there is an alternative to a public trial. A reliable and compassionate family lawyer will always recommend mediation services as a viable option.
About The Divorce Company
Boasting expertise in various critical areas such as family law, mediation, finance, wealth management, etc, we are a devoted team of professionals tirelessly working towards making divorce easier and smoother for families. Learn more about The Divorce Company and our team.
Do you desire a stress-free divorce? Contact us now.