Traits you should be looking for in a family lawyer

Traits you should be looking for in a family lawyer

When it comes to issues relating to family law, things can get very complicated very quickly. Because of the inherent emotions tied up with this area of law it can be incredibly complex for someone to navigate all the nuances they need in order to achieve the outcome they want.

Those who are struggling with family law issues would do well to solicit the services of a reputable and experienced family lawyer. These legal experts are your best friends during this difficult period in your life and will be the number one person you turn to for advice.

However, finding the right family lawyer for you isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are likely hundreds if not thousands of different practitioners out there who are willing to represent you, but choosing the right one can be difficult.

Let’s take a look at the top traits you should be looking for in a family lawyer so you can make an informed choice.

Are they an accredited family law specialist?

While it’s entirely possible to win your case with a general practise lawyer, a specialised lawyer who focuses exclusively on family law will obviously be a better fit. These specialists usually have decades of practise experience behind them and have dealt with cases just like yours on numerous occasions.

Are they accredited in ADR?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a special skillset that many family lawyers get trained in. It gives them the tool necessary to conduct negations and resolve disputes amicably with the other party.

Because the Australian family law system ostensibly favours when family law issues are dealt with out of court, the best outcomes are usually reached through negotiation. This is because a successfully negotiation is more likely to leave both parties satisfied with the decision than if it was arbitrated in court.

What’s their work style?

Before you start engaging with a family lawyer it’s important to find out if their work style is right for you. Some lawyers will work on their own and do all of the research for the case themselves while others may outsource this work to a paralegal team or junior associate.

While a hands-on approach might sound like the best choice, the more high profile your case is the more precedent you will need to examine. In these cases it may be better to hire a lawyer with a large paralegal team so that they can focus on other parts of your case.