Be sure to ask these questions before choosing who is going to represent you in your family law matter!
- What is the hourly fee for the attorney?
- Who is his paralegal? What is his/her hourly fee?
- To reduce costs, please handle by electronic mail rather than paying for copies and postage.
- What does the attorney know of opposing legal counsel?
- Because nothing has been filed, can he do so in his county or do you have to be a resident of that county?
- If filed in opposing parties county, what should you expect for travel charges?
- What is the attorney’s working relationship with the Judges? May the attorney pick the judge?
- Is there any court ordered classes/mediation that will be required? If so, what is the process for handling that out of state? Fees? Where can you get more information?
- What steps does the attorney recommend that you do prior to filing to give you the best chances of having a fair and amicable resolution?
- Is it possible to have the fees for a contested divorce agreed to up front and included in the fee agreement? i.e. option A as already outlined and Option B. etc. rather than putting down another retainer.
- Would it be better for you to file when you have established a permanent residence and secured employment?
- Should you be filing in the State that you reside in?
- If the divorce is contested, what can you expect for the discovery phase? Interrogatories, Depositions? Costs? Time?