Every Utah family has problems, but when a family issue or conflict escalates into a legal matter, it’s in your best interests to work with an experienced lawyer who can give you reliable advice, explain your options, and protect your rights. Finding legal representation in Utah isn’t hard. There are thousands of family law attorneys in the state. However, because the attorney you choose will have a substantial and direct impact on how your case is resolved (and subsequently, what your family’s future will look like), it’s important to choose a good Utah family lawyer who cares about you and who can achieve the best possible resolution.
Navigating a family law issue can be overwhelming and emotional. You may have never worked with an attorney before, and you may not realize what to look for. When searching for high quality representation, here are some helpful tips to follow!
Shop Around
Research is the first step in finding a reputable local attorney who is knowledgeable about Utah family law. The more options you have, the more picky you can be when it comes to who you will trust with your family’s sensitive legal matter. Depending on your family issue, you may spend weeks or months working with your lawyer and will likely need to share intimate details of your life with them. It is best to choose someone who won’t make you feel alone, who is highly experienced, and who has a track record of successful outcomes.
You can ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online for good Utah family lawyers who have great reviews. You can browse multiple attorneys’ websites, blogs, and social media profiles to get a sense of what they are like and whether or not they may be a good fit.
Interview Prospective Attorneys Before Hiring One
Once you get a short list of prospective family law attorneys, contact them all. When calling a law firm to speak with a lawyer, be concise about your needs and what you are looking for in legal representation and then request an initial consultation with them. Many attorneys will offer a free consultation so you can get to know them, ask questions, and get a better idea of what working with them will be like.
During the consultation, consider the attorney’s demeanor. If their personality, attitude, and communication clash with yours, they might not be a good fit for you. It may be challenging to work with them.
Inquire about the attorney’s availability for communication. Utah has many deadlines for family law, so timely communication is vital to the success of your case. If a prospective family lawyer does not dedicate themselves to contacting clients regularly, you could miss essential deadlines or information, and you may feel like you’re in the dark about what they’re doing on your behalf.
Keep Your Goals In Mind
You may be stressed out, afraid, or angry about your family situation, but take some time before you contact an attorney to clarify a few of your values and wishes for the outcome. Knowing what matters most to you, what you want, and how far you are willing to go to achieve it can help your lawyer set proper expectations and explain if they are the right fit for you.
For example, if you want to avoid fighting in court at all costs, even if it means having to compromise on some aspects of you and your children’s lives, you need to work with a Utah family lawyer who understands the value of collaboration and who won’t goad you into an unnecessary legal battle. Your purpose for seeking a good Utah family attorney will help you find legal counsel who aligns with that purpose.
Check For Expertise In Utah Family Law Matters
You would not contact a personal injury attorney if you needed legal advice about bankruptcy – that just wouldn’t make sense! In the same way, you shouldn’t choose a lawyer who doesn’t have family law as one of their main focuses. You need someone who stays abreast of the state’s complex, ever-changing laws. Choosing a local Utah family lawyer who has years of experience in the specific area of practice your issue falls under is in your best interests.
During the research and consultation phases of your search for legal representation, ensure that the prospective lawyer has the relevant skills to address your needs. For instance, if you’re getting divorced, you should consider hiring a lawyer with experience negotiating divorce settlements. If you have a blended family, you should work with a lawyer who has experience with blended families; if you are a dad seeking sole custody, you should work with an attorney who primarily focuses on father’s rights and custody matters, and etc.
Ensure Accessibility
When dealing with an intense family matter, problems or questions can arise at any time. The last thing you want is to need your lawyer’s assistance and not have a way to contact them. A good Utah family lawyer values communication and is attentive to their client’s needs. A reliable attorney will reach out to you regularly, providing prompt feedback whenever you contact them via phone or email.
How an attorney communicates is as important as their accessibility. Legal issues can be complex, but a good lawyer knows how to explain things plainly without legal jargon to ensure you understand what is happening with your case. During the consultation, pay attention to how they communicate with you; if you leave confused, they may not be the best choice.
Stay Within Your Budget
When it comes to legal representation, the saying “you get what you pay for” applies. Good Utah family lawyers typically will have high hourly rates because of their education, experience, and skill level, while inexperienced or ill-reputed lawyers may charge low fees to attract clients (and low-caliber lawyers usually don’t produce good outcomes; they may even cost you more in the long run!).
However, many families who are experiencing conflict or legal issues may be struggling financially, and if that’s the case, while you don’t want to settle for the cheapest lawyer, you want to be cost-conscious. Search for a lawyer who offers payment plans, or who has flexible package options, or who charges on a flat-fee basis. Even if an attorney doesn’t advertise those things on their website, they may be able to work with you to come to an arrangement that works for your budget.
Beware of Warning Signs
Utah has over 7,000 licensed attorneys, and not all of them are equally good at what they do! A good Utah family lawyer is a professional who will communicate with you often, help you understand the intricacies of your case, and work toward the optimal resolution. They will not view you as a case number; they will treat you with care and attention, as a person going through a difficult time.
When researching and interviewing attorneys, avoid working with a lawyer who:
- Has a bad reputation or many negative reviews online that all seem to be agreeing
- Does not have references or refuses to provide them
- Cannot or will not share multiple examples of past family law cases they have successfully handled
- Possesses a lazy, aggressive, elitist, or unattentive attitude
- Lacks compassion
Call Green Legal Group Today To Schedule A Free 30 Minute Consultation! If you are looking for a good Utah family lawyer, consider Green Legal Group! Family law is one of our firm’s major practice areas. Our attorneys have over 15 years of combined experience guiding families in Utah through divorce, division of property, debt division, child custody, support issues, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and more. Unlike with many law firms, one of our main priorities is ensuring that you don’t feel alone during your legal journey, so we’ll communicate with you at every stage of the process, and you can always talk to a real legal professional when you need to. Your case is more than just a case; it’s your future, and we treat it accordingly, handling it with all of the attention and diligence it deserves. Call Green Legal Group today to request a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can serve you!