YOUR CHECKLIST FOR FINDING THE RIGHT FAMILY LAWYER

When relationships break down, our clients are often seeking the assistance of a solicitor for the first time (other than a conveyance or a will).

For that reason, I appreciate that it’s hard to know what to expect and many of our clients have come to us after being disappointed by a previous solicitor.

To help in the search for the right person to protect you and your future, I’ve identified what I think you should be demanding of your family law solicitor.

EXPERTISE

The complexity of family law demands specialisation and experience.

COMMUNICATION

An exceptional capacity to communicate — making the complex more understandable.

HONESTY

You need to know the good, the bad and the ugly up front.

EXPECTATION

It is reasonable to want to know what to expect and to hold your solicitor to that advice.

It’s important that your solicitor has the respect of the Court and colleagues — it makes a material difference.

PRAGMATISM

It is futile to win the battle, but lose the war.

Incurring disproportionate legal fees to what you stand to achieve is a poor outcome.

RAPPORT

A capacity to build a genuine rapport — you’re trusting your most intimate of details and your future with this person after all.

AVAILABILITY

Your family life doesn’t stop after business hours, so a good solicitor appreciates that there will be after-hours contact, and a need to respond urgently if required.

VALUE

This is hard to measure, but given the often significant cost of legal advice and representation, it’s important that you feel in control of your legal fees and that you are achieving a positive outcome.

TOUGH LOVE

Beware the solicitor that actively intensifies your feelings of anger.

A good lawyer will challenge you to reduce conflict with your former partner if possible and will make you acutely aware of the long-term implications of maintaining any negative emotion for all of you.