When hiring a family lawyer, most people will be concerned with the lawyer's pricing strategy. However, working with a cheap lawyer is not a guarantee that you will receive quality services. As such, it is advisable to conduct some research to know whether the professional can handle the matter at hand. Read this excerpt for some expert tips on how to choose a family lawyer.

Check the internet or seek referrals to identify lawyers that are licenced to work in your state. Working with unlicensed lawyers can be a risky affair. Other than the fact that they cannot represent you in court, such lawyers could misadvise you since they may not understand family law statutes in your state. As a rule, your lawyer should have an excellent reputation. Client reviews on social media, law forums and online listings will help you ascertain the lawyer's services.

Contact the lawyer and inform him or her of your wish to enlist his or her services. One of your concerns should be the lawyer's availability. Some family law matters, such as child custody and adoption, are more urgent. Therefore, you need a lawyer who can handle the case as fast as possible.

During your first consultation, the lawyer should conduct an initial assessment to determine whether your situation meets the minimum requirements for a court process. For example, people that want to cancel their prenups or post-marital contracts must prove that it was a rushed decision, they did not receive independent legal advice, or they were coerced into signing the document. Most lawyers will advise you not to pursue the issue if there is little probability of success.  

Inquire about the lawyer's terms and conditions. For example, you should be interested to know the accepted modes of communication. Most lawyers will provide their official email address and office and personal contacts. However, they could ask you not to call their personal line during weekends and holidays. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most lawyers incorporate internet services to reduce the number of times that clients visit their offices. For example, property settlement negotiations could be held over a video conference if the divorcing couple is on good terms.

When evaluating the lawyer's price structure, look out for discounts such as free initial consultation. You may qualify for further discounts or free legal services if you belong to vulnerable groups. 

Hiring a family lawyer is an easy task with the above guide. Check the lawyer's licence, reputation, availability, terms and pricing. Contact a local family law office to learn more.