Bohm Wildish: Los Angeles Family Law Attorney
What is family law? How many hours do you have? Family law is incredibly complex and encompasses issues ranging from custodial rights to grandparents’ rights to division of property to adoption to conservatorships. This branch of the law, like most others, is changing constantly; California, for instance, recently passed laws on smoking in houses with children, international custody, and drug testing. This makes it even more important that you choose a lawyer who can represent your best interests, and that of your family. Here are some tips for choosing the right attorney.
If you open a Los Angeles or Beverly Hills phone book, or the virtual equivalent online, you will quickly become overwhelmed. There are seemingly endless choices, and it can be difficult to determine who is best qualified to represent you or your family. Your first step is to define what exactly you need, and then narrow down your selections.
What do you need? If you have a relatively uncomplicated case, such as an uncontested divorce, it is easier to find a qualified attorney. If you have special needs, such as complex property, tax, and financial issues, you will need a lawyer who specializes in this type of law as it applies to California family law.
Where to start? You can start with a Google search for “Beverly Hills family law attorney” (or Los Angeles,) or at a site like Lawyers.com, or by getting referrals from friends or family members. When you have a list, look at biographical information. Do they specialize in the area of the law in which you need assistance? Look for other resources, such as articles, FAQs, and even client reviews and ratings for more information. You want to assess your lawyer’s expertise and skill level, and a good way to do this can be to see if he has published articles online or has a comprehensive website that helps to answer your preliminary questions.
Check with the California Bar Association to see if the attorney is in good standing and if he belongs to any professional organizations or associations which may be pertinent to his expertise and skill level in family law.
Make contact. When you have a list of possibilities, start calling. You can use this not only to set up a consultation, but also to gauge the friendliness and professionalism of the lawyer, firm, and staff. Ask questions; you want to know the answers, but you also want to see how they are answered. This can tell you a great deal that will be helpful in your decision. Can you get an appointment easily? Does the lawyer offer a free or low-cost consultation? Does the lawyer have time to devote to your case?
Meet with 2 to 3 attorneys. Yes, good lawyers are busy, but they should be professional enough to meet with you or to have an associate do a thorough intake interview with you. Use this consultation as a time to discuss your case, but again, make sure to gauge the attorney’s knowledge, expertise, and compassion. You do not have to “like” your attorney, but you do need to trust him/her.
Ask about the cost of his services, and be sure that you understand (and have a copy of) the retainer agreement before you make your final decision. Cost is always a determining factor; and while good Los Angeles divorce attorneys tend to charge more, you need to be able to afford his/her services.
Choosing a family law lawyer may be time-consuming, but it is one of the most important decisions you will make. Take the time to ensure you are getting the level of service and commitment you need.