What To Look For When Hiring a Family Lawyer in Chicago

What To Look For When Hiring a Family Lawyer in Chicago

By M: Scott Gordon

Seeking the best legal representation for your family law case can be a difficult and anxiety-inducing task. How can you know what to look for in your Chicago family law attorney? How can you learn the right questions to ask? These concerns can become particularly frustrating when you have a difficult family law matter on your hands. Here are some important tips for selecting a family law lawyer in the Chicago area and key questions to ask, particularly when you need an advocate during your divorce proceedings.

Important Criteria for Your Chicago Family Law Attorney

Depending on your particular needs, you may have different concerns from another Chicagoan who is looking for a family lawyer. For any family law issue, however, you may want to consider some of the following:

• Credentials: when you’re evaluating an attorney to handle your case, you can look to objective credentials. For example, you might seek out an attorney who is also appointed as a Guardian ad Litem, child representative or who is a certified mediator. In addition, it’s important to learn about an attorney’s years of experience in practice—in particular in family law practice.
• Personal compatibility and client dedication: it’s important to feel comfortable with the attorney with whom you’re going to work. The first time you talk to an attorney, trust your instincts. It’s essential to find an advocate who has your best interests in mind, and who will handle your case with dedication and perseverance. You want to be sure that you hire a lawyer who will approach your case with the understanding that it will have its own nuances and complications. Find a family law attorney who will fight for your rights throughout your divorce.
• Location: it’s important to speak with your lawyer in person. You’ll want to look for an attorney who has an office that’s easy to reach, and who is willing to meet with you in person on a regular basis to discuss your case.
• Cost: depending on your personal situation, cost may be an important factor to consider. It’s important to look for an experienced family law attorney who can work within your budget while advocating tirelessly for your needs.

Asking Questions and Meeting with Your Family Law Advocate

When you do meet with an attorney for the first time, you’ll want to be sure to find an advocate who pays attention to your individual needs and the questions you have about your case. It’s always a good idea to bring a list of questions with you to your appointment that includes all of the matters you’d like to discuss.

It’s important to work with an experienced Chicago area family law lawyer who will take the time to provide comprehensive answers to your questions, and who will give you time to take notes. Rather than focusing on the likely outcome of your case, seek out counsel that will make you feel secure and well represented in your family law matter.

According to a recent article in the Huffington Post, one of the most important aspects of hiring a family lawyer is finding someone that you feel comfortable working with and who you feel will advocate for your rights. When you meet with a potential advocate, some important questions you might ask of yourself can include:

•      Do you feel comfortable opening up?
•      Does the advocate seem like a good listener?
•      Will the advocate develop a specific yet practical approach to your case?

Ultimately, one of the most important things to remember is that an Illinois family law attorney has particular knowledge and expertise when it comes to handling divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Don’t hesitate to contact one of the experienced Chicago family lawyers at the law offices of Gordon & Perlut, LLC to learn more about our services.