Unfortunately, most families may face divorce, custody and child support issues during their lifetime. The importance of selecting the right family lawyer to handle your case is probably the most important decision you may make in your lifetime. The stress of a broken marriage can cause you to have to confide in someone who will champion your cause as it relates to division of property, custody of your children, and which parent will be required to pay the other parent child support and/or spousal support and alimony.
Family law is stressful for the entire family and the sooner these issues are addressed and resolved the better for the entire family. The process can be draining emotionally, mentally and financially. Hiring the right lawyer for you to guide you to either a resolution or a court hearing on these issues will be paramount to your survival after the separation or divorce and directly impact on the time you have contact with your children.
There is no easy answer to how you should select your lawyer, but I believe the three (3) C’s of that process are helpful for anyone to try and make the best selection for them and hence, their family. Let’s face it, although Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state, emotions can sometimes interfere with reason and we need to understand the dynamics of the interaction between you and the lawyer you ultimately select. Whether you initially select due to a family/ friend referral or by the lawyers reputation in the community, the decision to move forward should consider these three aspects.
The Family Law Lawyer Three C’s
Comfort
You must be comfortable talking to your lawyer about very personal aspects of your life. If you don’t share that information, it is very likely that your lawyer will be ambushed by the information later and will be unable to help you to the best of their ability. Being able to talk to your lawyer and being able to listen to what they say, AND understand what they say is, in large part, based upon how comfortable you are with them in the give and take of the representation.
Care
You must not only believe that your lawyer cares about your case but also that they are willing to put the time and effort into carefully and fully explaining to you your options. It is not your lawyer’s job to tell you what to do. Their job is to tell you what options are available to you. They may make suggestions for you to follow but their advice and what you do with it is up to you. You need to know they care about how you and your case will resolve so that YOUR best interests and those of your children are best served.
Cost
Divorce, Custody and Support can be very costly. You should be aware that your lawyers’ time and advice are the only “product” they have available for you. It’s important you understand that the more time required by your lawyer the more it will cost. Please understand that does not mean that a lawyer with a higher hourly rate is more expensive. In fact, often times the more experienced lawyer will charge a higher hourly rate BUT their efficiency and familiarity with the issues of your case may make it more likely that you will get to a resolution not only more quickly,but at less overall expense. In the practice of law, the more experienced practitioner has learned what to do, when to do it and why to do it in an attempt to get resolution which is in your best interests and those of your family.
Count on Mooney
At Mooney & Associates, we offer experienced legal counsel to you so that your best interests and those of your children are protected. The decision to hire a lawyer is an important one. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an attorney dedicated to help you in family law matters. You can reach us at 717-200-HELP or 1-877-632-4656.
Read more on our Family Law section of our website.
