You have been served with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Petition for Paternity, or Supplemental Petition for Modification; or you need to hire an attorney to assist you in preparing one of these to serve on the other side, or you have post-judgment contempt and enforcement or modification matters that need to be handled. Whatever it is, you recognize the importance of obtaining proper legal representation to assist you. But what is good legal representation, and where can you find it? Have the Best information about Abogados divorcio Barcelona.
With so much information “out there,” it’s easy to become overwhelmed when looking for a Marital and Family Law attorney. So how do you sort through all of the nonsense to find the right person for you? First, avoid using the yellow pages, and second, remember that most attorney websites have evolved into expanded yellow page advertisements.
Following that, you should start gathering information. Seek recommendations from family and friends and conduct your independent research. In addition to telling you what to look for, I’d like to tell you what to avoid. Once you’ve identified some potential family law attorneys about whom you’d like more information, go to their website.
BEWARE: What do you see there? Do you notice any credit card logos on the website’s pages? Do you see any indication that the attorney or Firm is willing to work with you on payment terms? Do you notice the attorney offering you a “free” initial consultation? WARNING: BEWARE! These sales and marketing tactics provide no information about the attorney’s qualifications or the quality of legal services that you should expect from the Firm.
NUMBER ONE TIP:
MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE ATTORNEY FROM THE BEGINNING.
When you call an attorney’s office, you are taking the first step down what could be a long road. When you reach the attorney’s office, you should understand that your call is important and that the attorney and their staff are working together to help you. Consider the following:
* Are you satisfied with your first contact with the Firm?
* Did you make an excellent first impression?
* Did you receive the information you required?
* Did you receive an appointment date and time as soon as possible?
* Will you meet with the partner or primary attorney working on your case?
One thing to keep in mind is that many attorneys will not provide retainer quotes over the phone. This is due to a variety of factors. I need to meet with the individual, assess the case dynamics, ascertain the parties’ relative financial positions and needs, and then make some preliminary decisions.
I have plans in my office to conduct the entire divorce proceeding for a low, flat fee plus the cost of filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Of course, this plan is unsuitable for everyone, but if I do not meet with you and assess your situation, you will never know your options. So, do not be concerned if you do not receive an immediate retainer quote during your first phone call to the Firm.
WARNING: WATCH OUT if the law firm or attorney you contact offers you a low initial retainer. A law firm that is simply trying to get people in the door can tell you any retainer to appear to be more affordable than all the other firms; the only difference is that they will quickly go through your initial retainer and then ask for more money from you to continue representing you. It would be best if instead, you looked for an attorney who gives you a realistic estimate of overall costs and fees based on your specific circumstances. The adage “you get what you pay for” also applies here!
However, don’t be surprised if the highly qualified attorney you meet with says she can’t estimate the total fees and costs you’ll pay in your case. This can be determined by various factors, the most important of which is the position that the opposing party will take in the litigation. Unfortunately, this is something your attorney cannot predict. However, as the case progresses and your attorney observes the type of litigation that your spouse or the opposing party is pursuing, she should be able to provide you with more information about the overall financial impact of your case.
Your initial meeting with the attorney should provide you with the following information:
* A general understanding of the law as it pertains to your case. An initial retainer quote, as well as a discussion of any acceptable payment arrangements based on your specific situation * An understanding of her Marital and Family Law experience, including how many evidentiary hearings and trials she has conducted * A timeline for the first three to four months of your case * An opportunity for you to ask all of your questions * An opportunity for you to contact her after the initial consultation to follow up on any questions you may have
You should feel understood when you leave your initial consultation with the attorney, that the attorney understood your goals in terms of the divorce or other family law matter, and that you and your questions were and will continue to be critical throughout the representation.
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