07/08/2024
How to Choose the Right Family Law Attorney
Choosing a family law attorney can be a difficult process. You want an attorney that cares about you and your situation but is not going to lead with their emotions in court. You want an expert who is going to argue your case effectively but not alienate the other side or the Court. You want an attorney who can effectively settle a case but not give away the store.
The reality is that like any other service, you want someone you can trust. Whether it be the mechanic who fixes your car or the doctor who operates on your hip. How do you build trust with your attorney? My best advice is to draw up a list of the five most important qualities you want in an effective advocate and the five things you want in your particular case and then start calling around. A recent survey in New York City suggests that the average client calls six or seven attorneys before they choose. Be picky. Ask questions and follow up questions. Many attorneys, like me, offer a free consultation. Even those that don't will usually apply the consult fee to the initial fee for services. If they don't, find someone else.
Don't stop looking until you feel comfortable with your attorney. Test them. Challenge them. While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case, many experienced attorneys can look at your case and have a pretty good idea where it is going. Family Court can be the most traumatic, stressful and life changing experience of your life. You owe it to yourself to find the best person for you to share the experience.
Contact me to discuss this or any other family/matrimonial topic. Michael W. Stivers, Esq., CEO & Managing Partner, Stivers Law PC, 585-576-8010, [email protected].