While we all know a lawyer should have a J.D. and be admitted to their state bar, there are other traits that can help you determine whether a particular lawyer is right for you. Depending on the type of lawyer you are looking for—personal injury, business, divorce, etc.—those traits will differ. For example, you may want an aggressive personal injury lawyer or an astute business lawyer. For a divorce lawyer, you may seek a compassionate individual.
Family law encompasses many different legal issues, including divorce, custody, paternity, asset division, and more. When seeking a family law attorney, you not only want them to have a good understanding of the law as it applies to your case, you also want them to have some of the following traits.
Empathetic
Family law matters are frequently of a sensitive nature. From custody and paternity disputes to divorce proceedings, a good family law attorney must be able to empathize with their clients and understand the trials they are undergoing so they can best advocate for their clients.
Supportive
Family law issues can be emotionally charged. A good family law attorney understands the ways in which her client may be affected by her case and lends support when appropriate. They have ties to the community and can offer recommendations for support services when needed.
Trustworthy
When you hire a lawyer, you want to feel that they will do their best work on your behalf. This requires a lot of trust. As such, your family law attorney should engender that level of trust by illustrating their desire and ability to help you with your current situation.
Forward-Looking
When dealing with a family law matter, it can be hard to think past the issue at hand. A skilled family law attorney will be able to help you consider any effects current actions can have on the future and assist you in appropriate planning when necessary.
Communicative
Legalese can often seem purposefully confusing. Your family law attorney is like your translator for the specialized language of the courtroom. She should be able to easily explain decisions and processes in a manner that is comfortable for her client. She should also share all pertinent information that a client needs to make an informed decision.
Client-Centered
When you are with your attorney, you should feel like your case is the most important case they have. Ultimately, your attorney works for you. They want to help you with your legal issue and resolve it in a satisfactory way. For a lawyer to achieve this, they must be client-centered and make their client’s goals their goals.
Patient
The law rarely moves quickly. Depending on your legal issue, you may be involved in litigation for months. Some divorces can take a couple of years to resolve. A patient family law attorney can help you navigate the system and make progress, both legally and personally. They will understand any frustrations you have throughout the process and can provide useful guidance.
When seeking a Tampa family law attorney, it’s wise to have a face-to-face consultation to determine whether a particular lawyer is right for you. During your consultation, ask questions that can help you better understand the person you are thinking of hiring.
In a previous post, we covered some important questions to ask a divorce lawyer. Many of the questions are suitable for other family law cases. Feel free to print out a copy and take notes during your consultation. Amend questions as necessary to suit your needs.
Quinn Law Firm focuses on providing legal services to Tampa area families in a way that is both kind and effective. We understand that our clients are facing difficult, often life-changing events and do our best to support them throughout the process. In addition to being trained in family law matters, Attorney Mary Quinn is versed in collaborative law and mediation. Not only does this provide her clients with alternative dispute resolution methods but it also points to the care and effort that Quinn Family Law takes to help area residents resolve their family law issues.
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