How to Select a Riverside Family Law Attorney

When it comes to family law, finding the best attorney to handle your unique situation is a must. That is because your choice of lawyer can influence the outcome of your case, your overall experience and stress levels throughout the process, the expenses incurred for the representation, and more. 

Why Choosing the Best Family Law Attorney Matters

Taking your time and choosing the right Riverside family law attorney can mean the difference between a contentious divorce and one properly managed by a professional with experience both in and outside the courtroom. Whether your divorce case proceeds by way of trial or settlement, the right attorney will know what means to employ to achieve your desired goals.

The right family law attorney will also offer you the most positive experience during one of the most stressful times of your life. A divorce is stressful in and of itself but having the right attorney by your side means having someone who can take the procedural stress away and streamline the process, so you have less to worry about on a day-to-day basis.

Finally, choosing the wrong attorney can cause your case to run longer than anticipated, leading to mounting legal fees and, worse still, a loss of benefits and/or unfavorable orders that are difficult to modify.

4 Things to Look for When Choosing a Riverside Family Attorney

The process of finding the right family law attorney may feel daunting, as there are a plethora of attorney options available in Riverside County, but there are steps you can take to find the best attorney for your unique case. 

1. Find a Riverside Attorney You Can Trust

One thing you should look for when choosing the best family law attorney is a team that you can trust. Family law tackles some of the most tricky, complicated, and personal situations, so you do not want just any attorney handling your divorce matter. The best attorney is there to support you in court, but they should also support you emotionally through the very stressful process that is a divorce.

The right attorney will know when to push to achieve the best legal outcome while considering your feelings and comfortability with the process. You should not dread talking to your attorney; instead, find one you can relate to and feel comfortable confiding in, as they will need as much information as possible to get the best results in your case. An attorney who is never available to you, or whom you do not trust or feel comfortable with, is likely not the best family law attorney for your particular needs.  

2. Research Your Family Law Needs to Narrow Down the Selection

It is important to figure out exactly what you need in a lawyer as no two situations are identical. Before you start your search for the right Riverside family law attorney, you should understand exactly what type of case you have and what it is going to take to obtain the most favorable results.

For example, there are family law attorneys that have expertise with child custody and visitation cases, while others focus on large asset and complex property division issues. Others still may focus on mediation services or niche issues such as military divorces or fathers’ rights. Knowing what you are looking for is important as not every family law attorney will have the expertise, experience, or know-how to handle each of these situations in the best manner possible.

3. Ask Questions

Once you understand your legal needs, you should schedule a consultation with the attorney and ask detailed questions about their experience, qualifications, and the manner in which they typically approach their cases. This can give you insight into whether or not the attorney has the right background to handle cases like yours. Only then can you weed out those who might not be the best fit and narrow down your selection to an attorney that understands exactly what your case will need.

Examples of questions you should ask when consulting with a family law attorney are:

1) What is your level of experience in family law? 

2) Are there other ways to remediate the situation out of court? 

3) How often should I expect communication from your office?

4. Explore the Reviews, Testimonials, & Credentials

You should also explore referral databases, including reading reviews/testimonials, as this may be the easiest way to uncover potential red flags regarding your potential attorney. If past clients have been pleased (or disappointed) with their performance, the referrals will show it. Also, be sure to explore the California State Bar website to determine whether the attorney has any special licenses, degrees, or certifications. The California State Bar website will also indicate whether the attorney has been professionally disciplined.

As family law is extremely personal and has long-lasting impacts, you should not settle for anything less than the best family law attorney in Riverside County. Your final choice can save (or cost) you time, effort, money, and desired results, so you cannot afford to make the wrong decision.

In order to find the right Riverside family law attorney, you should figure out what your needs are, take your time and do your research, and pick someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. At Cage & Miles, LLP, you are sure to find a trustworthy, reliable attorney to  assist you through every step of the process and obtain the most favorable results.

Contact the best Riverside family law attorneys today!