Whether you find yourself contemplating divorce, handling custody issues, wanting to adopt, or dealing with other sensitive, family issues, you are in the thick of serious, stressful, and difficult decisions. Deciding which attorney best suits your situation and meets your individual needs can be difficult at this important time. Choosing the right family lawyer in Cleveland can help improve the stress level of the situation, help you clearly and calmly navigate the process, and help you reach a desirable outcome.
Every family is different, and each has its own dynamic and unique needs. This is especially true when that family finds themselves entangled in family court. It’s important to find a family lawyer who makes you feel comfortable when discussing your needs and concerns, and one that you can trust. You need someone to clearly explain the legal process and your individual case. It is also of the utmost importance that this attorney can prepare the appropriate documents and represent you and your family’s interests well in court.
Speak to a family law attorney at Gertsburg Licata
Here’s how to decide which attorney is best for your situation.
Evaluate experience and past case results
It may be tempting to choose the first name that pops up in your search but avoid the temptation and take the time to research lawyers in your area. Find out what former clients are saying about them: how they were represented, treated, and how their cases were resolved. Read the reviews and testimonials on the attorney’s website, as well as those on third-party websites. Check their social media pages. See if they have won awards or earned accolades. A few minutes of research can save you months of headaches. You should quickly notice a positive or negative trend that will help you make a more informed hiring decision.
It’s also important that you verify that the family lawyer of your choice has the right credentials and enough experience in the practice of family law, specifically in your matter, to handle your case. Domestic relations is a vast area of the law and you will find attorneys with varying degrees of experience. Finding one that is well-versed, comfortable, and confident in the area in which you are seeking representation is of the utmost importance and will make all the difference in your representation and the outcome of your case.
Availability and responsiveness
An experienced family lawyer is communicative, efficient, and reliable. They know how to handle their caseloads and will always be prepared to meet any unexpected challenges that might arise in your case. They should always be prepared, whether for a meeting with you or with court personnel. When scheduling your attorney consultation, inquire about their current caseload and how many cases they typically take on at any given time. Ask how accessible and communicative they will be throughout your representation, and how they will address concerns if and when they arise.
Reasonable legal fees
While you should never base your hiring decision solely on proposed legal fees, cost evaluation is still a very important hiring consideration. Be sure you know upfront what the expected cost will be and how it will be charged. Ask about how unexpected charges will be handled. Inquire about how they expect to be paid, and when – whether charges are by the hour or one fixed lump sum. Ask how phone calls, emails, and texts will be handled in terms of billing and time. Keep in mind the more experience and expertise your attorney has, the higher their fees will likely be. Balance the expertise you need in your representation with what your budget can afford. Educate yourself about the range of fees that similar family lawyers charge so that you can ascertain what a reasonable fee is in your situation.
Legal strategy
An established and experienced family lawyer will work to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible. Your case may present you with multiple legal options. Your attorney should be able to explain your options and the strategies behind them. Their knowledge and experience should provide valuable insight regarding issues and concerns you may not have considered or have overlooked.
It’s also important to ensure the attorney’s legal philosophy is in alignment with your particular case matter. For example, you may wish to pursue divorce mediation vs. court litigation, but your attorney may not support or have experience with that avenue. Making sure your legal philosophy aligns with theirs will provide the support and guidance you need to ensure your legal pathway wishes are followed, and a desirable outcome is achieved.
Gertsburg Litica Family Law Services
Facing family legal challenges is difficult and stressful enough on its own. Finding an attorney who represents you and your family well can be an added strain. Doing your homework when choosing a family law attorney in Cleveland, Ohio can ease this strain.
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At Gertsburg Litica, our Family Law Group has proven experience in the areas of family law including:
- Divorce and Dissolution
- Parental Rights and Responsibilities (Child Custody)
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Property Division
- Domestic Violence
- Post-Decree Litigation
- Prenuptial Agreements
Whether your case needs are met through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution, our clients can be certain that they will be advised of their rights, risks, potential outcomes, and options for the best legal representation possible. Our expertise is matched with our client care, a commitment that our clients can bank on from the moment of first contact to case resolution. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and guide you in choosing the right family law attorney for your matter.
Call 216-573-6000 or use our inquiry form to meet with an attorney.
