Today we want to talk about what elements are important when hiring a family lawyer . We have already written similar articles regarding criminal and labor lawyers. And since they seem to be useful, we are going to put together some tips to choose the best family lawyer law firm huntersville.
These professionals are civil servants who have specialized in the family field. Based on their experience, they can help you in various types of matters, such as:
Marriage and de facto unions.
Separations and divorces .
Filiation, parental authority and custody of minors.
Alimony and compensatory pensions.
Marital economic regimes.
Inheritances and successions.
What do each of these issues have in common? Although their legal regulation is very diverse, we believe that they have something in common: the sensitivity associated with each of these claims .
PARTICULARITIES OF FAMILY LAW
Thus, family law is the most emotionally charged legal branch. When we file a complaint we want justice to be done, and if we sue in the social order we will want to restore our rights as soon as possible.
But family complaints touch our personal sphere. In fact, on many occasions even being successful at them is bittersweet .
Therefore, the family lawyer must not only be an absolutely competent jurist. He must also be a sensitive professional .
This double need makes it not easy to find a good lawyer specialized in family law. and this because:
The family lawyer must be well versed in civil law . But in most cases he also needs to know other branches of law . For example, if a family business is involved in the matter, it will always help if you have knowledge of commercial law . In many cases there are elements of foreignness that require mastering international law. It is also common for tax elements to intervene, for example when inheriting, divorcing or getting married. In short, a good family lawyer is a legal professional with transversal knowledge.
Regarding the element of sensitivity, it is more transcendent than it seems . For example, inheritance distributions are usually very tense moments for the family. Even when the deceased has left a good will and appointed executors, family quarrels often arise. You probably want your inheritance rights to be respected, but not at any price. A good family lawyer will be able to give each person the treatment they need, reducing tension and avoiding confrontations. The same occurs in separation and divorce processes , where internal pressure can lead spouses to use elements such as custody or pensions as a weapon against their ex-partner.
7 TIPS FOR HIRING A FAMILY LAWYER
Below we collect some recommendations that can help you choose the right professional . We hope you find them useful in choosing the family lawyer that best suits the needs of your current situation.
- SPECIALIZATION AND EXPERIENCE
As always, we recommend hiring a lawyer specialized in the matter when you have to defend complex cases. The family environment, however, is quite appropriate for general lawyers. When choosing between one or the other, our recommendation would be:
Opt for a specialist lawyer if you need to go to court . Their experience in similar litigation will increase your chances of success.
Choose a general lawyer if you are going to develop a long-term relationship . By getting to know your personal and family situation, your lawyer will become a reference professional who can help you every time you have a legal question.
- EMPATHY IS CRUCIAL
As we have pointed out, empathy is a virtue in the field of Family Law . The specialization required by the legal profession, as well as its high level of technology, sometimes leads to lawyers being distant and calculating.
This capacity for abstraction that can help you in criminal or commercial matters will not do so in a family matter. Therefore, you will need a lawyer capable of understanding your needs and also your feelings , as well as those of the others involved.
- COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In the family environment, whenever tensions are to be avoided, communication skills will be essential . Your family lawyer should be able to negotiate reliably, but also avoid misunderstandings and facilitate the exchange of opinions.
It is important that a family lawyer is not only trustworthy but also appears trustworthy. Sincerity and realism will help all parties involved take into consideration your lawyer’s strategies and proposals.
- THE BUDGET IS NOT EVERYTHING
Although budget is usually one of the determining elements when choosing our lawyer, the truth is that it should not be the most important . Family matters require a lot of dedication. And the only way to ensure that your lawyer will be 100% dedicated to your case is to reward his commitment appropriately.
Keep in mind that a good family lawyer will not only be able to defend your rights and interests but will also avoid conflicts between those involved. So this is one of the fields where it is most interesting to stretch the budget in exchange for hiring the right lawyer.
If you want to avoid surprises with your budget, request a service record before hiring your lawyer . It must state the nature of the matter being defended and the type of actions that your lawyer will undertake.
- IMPORTANCE OF TRUST
In family matters it is vitally important that you trust your lawyer . Remember that you must give him all the information he needs to defend your interests. Sometimes this includes stories that we feel comfortable with or that we prefer to keep to ourselves.
Hiding information from your lawyer is a serious mistake. Keep in mind that family lawyers are no less legal technicians. They are empathetic professionals, who in addition to knowing the legal system must understand your true needs. And this is only possible if they have all the information related to the matter.
If you lose confidence in your lawyer, it is best to find another professional to defend yourself. Do not be in a hurry to request second opinions when you are not sure if your lawyer is working properly.
- FOLLOW-UP OF THE MATTER
Your family lawyer will take care of all the technical part of the matter that you put in his or her hands. However, it is important that you know where your case stands at all times .
Therefore, one of the most important elements when choosing a good lawyer is that he or she allows you to constantly monitor the matter. Permanent communication with your defender is essential to strengthen the relationship of trust and guarantee knowledge of the status of the case.
- PREFERENCE FOR EXTRAJUDICIAL RESOLUTION
Claim procedures are a very personal matter. There are those who avoid going to court at all costs and those who launch themselves with a clear vindictive desire. Whatever your preference, we recommend that your lawyer prefers to opt for the extrajudicial route .
It is true that sometimes there is no choice but to go to court. It is also true that many lawyers see this route as a much more lucrative option. However, in the family environment it is possible to reach agreements before going to court.
Remember that when you file a lawsuit, the judge will be in charge of dictating the fate of your matter. This means that in the best of cases one of the parties will be deprived of recognition of their interests by the judicial authority. In the worst case, not even the winner will have his rights and interests fully recognized.
Therefore, the extrajudicial route is more than recommended in the family environment. It will release tensions, take care of family relationships and, in all likelihood, offer better solutions than those a judge can give. The fact that your lawyer opts for agreements instead of conflicts will be a good indication of his willingness to resolve your matter.