Looking for an Attorney

Check with friends who were satisfied with their family law attorneys, look at the yellow pages, check the newspapers. Is the attorney experienced in family law? Some things you might want to know are: number of years in practice, number of years practicing in family law, percentage of case load that is family law. Who will do the work on your case? Some attorneys use associates, paralegals, and/or secretaries to do some of the work on your case. You may wish to meet the other individuals who might be working on your case. Does the attorney use a written retainer agreement or a written engagement letter? You should review a retainer agreement or engagement letter carefully before agreeing to it to be sure you understand the terms and conditions of the attorney representing you. How will you be billed? Most family law attorneys bill by the hour and have a billable minimum. Some of them charge separately by hourly rates for the time of their associates, paralegals and secretaries. Most family law attorneys also send out monthly bills. What is the standard retainer for your type of case? A retainer is a deposit from which the attorney will pay him/herself. Some times the retainer will also be used for certain litigation expenses such as court filing fees. Usually a retainer does not represent the total cost of the case unless the attorney specifically tells you that he/she is taking the case on a flat fee basis. Be sure you understand clearly whether your retainer is refundable or nonrefundable to you, if any is left when the work on your case is done. Is the attorney open to initiating settlements, using mediation, and developing a case cooperatively? Can the attorney foresee any problems in your case? What would he/she do about them? Is the attorney's approach and manner of communication compatible with yours?