Family lawyers play an important role in ensuring that parties have access to proper legal assistance. Unfortunately, not all family law specialists provide effective legal services. To get the best experience, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between good and bad lawyers. Let’s look at what to expect from fair family lawyers representation.
Key takeaways
Clear communication on family law proceedings
Good communication is essential during family law matters. Without it, clients can feel lost and have a more difficult time navigating the legal process, especially when dealing with issues such as property settlement, de facto relationship breakdowns, or family court proceedings. Clear guidance and access to support services and legal aid can make all the difference in helping clients understand their rights and feel supported throughout their family law journey.
Good communication
Legal process is complicated, and a good lawyer makes it seem simple. He doesn’t use fancy lingo, so he makes sure the client understands the case. He advises the client on next steps because he wants the best outcome for them; thus, he takes the time to explain everything clearly. His expert legal advice, especially in family law, helps guide clients through difficult situations with clarity and confidence.
Your lawyer should also be available to speak to when necessary. An experienced family lawyer is accessible through multiple lines of communication, such as email, phone, or an in-person meeting. This allows them to always be able to keep clients informed.
From our clients
I can highly recommend Rowena Ferrall and her legal service to any prospective clients. Rowena's advice to me in my recent legal matter was concise, accurate and correct, it was also delivered in understandable English and not legalese. I have used several legal firms over the years, including some high profile legal practices, and Rowena was equal and better than them.
- Les Patton
Bad communication
Lawyers with bad communication skills can cause clients a lot of issues. Excessive use of overly technical and opaque language is a big red flag. This shows that the lawyer isn’t concerned with viewing the process from the client’s perspective. If they don’t seem capable of explaining legal issues in simple terms, that’s a sign that they lack experience in guiding clients through the family law system.
Some lawyers won’t make themselves accessible to clients. How difficult is it to set up a meeting with them? Do they answer phone calls? How long does it take for them to respond to emails? If they’re not making an effort to communicate with you, it’s time to find another lawyer.
Fair family lawyers pricing
Interacting with the legal system can be expensive. Parties to family law disputes are often in vulnerable financial circumstances. It’s imperative to work with law firms that provide good value for your money.
Good pricing
The right lawyer will be fully transparent about their pricing structure and billing practices. Clients will understand if services will be billed through a fixed fee or an hourly rate. The lawyer will inform them about what the client can expect for the price being charged. Even if the case is complex and contains variables that aren’t easy to price ahead of time, they should still be able to provide a reasonable quote. Invoices should be comprehensive and only account for expenses that have been discussed. If a quote needs to be revised, they will update the client as soon as possible.
From our clients
Rowena and her team were absolutely amazing and went above and beyond for me and my daughter. They sorted out my family matter in a very timely manner and very well priced.
- Kayla McGrath
Poor pricing
Unfortunately, bad pricing practices aren’t unheard of amongst family law firms. This can include hidden costs that aren’t communicated to the client ahead of time. Sometimes, hourly rates can be recorded in unethical ways. The lawyer may account for work that wasn’t strictly necessary or needlessly prolong certain proceedings.
Some firms may mislead clients with respect to which family lawyer will be handling their case. Experienced lawyers will command a higher rate. A client may be billed with the expectation that a senior team member will provide their expertise but be assigned a junior lawyer instead.
Experience as family law experts
Your lawyer should have experience across all the areas of family law that are relevant to your case. For example, they may need to assist you with:
- A property settlement.
- De facto relationship breakdown.
- Child custody.
- Child support.
- Spousal maintenance.
- Family Court representation.
Experienced lawyers
A good lawyer can ensure you achieve the outcome you need. An experienced team understands the right way to approach a case. It’s particularly important that your lawyer develop the correct strategy. If there are disagreements over issues such as parenting arrangements, the first option considered should be family dispute resolution. With sound advice, the client should be given every opportunity to resolve disagreements through mediation rather than litigation.
However, there are cases where court proceedings are more appropriate. For example, handling family violence concerns requires a compassionate approach that prioritises the welfare of children at risk of exposure to it.
From our clients
The team at Ferrall and Co. went above and beyond with representing myself in legal proceedings to do with family law. Definitely worth the money you pay and treat you with the respect and professionalism that you deserve. Both Brian Carson and Rowena guide you through murky waters and gain the best possible outcome for you and your family!
- Dam Kel
Inexperienced lawyers
Lawyers can betray their inexperience in various ways. A common way is taking too long to complete tasks. Improperly filed applications can cost the client time and money. During mediation, a poor lawyer may not adequately prepare their client for the discussions. This can lead to adverse results. The lawyer may not even appreciate the importance of effective mediation and force the client into litigation. This increases costs dramatically and causes unnecessary emotional stress.
Quick tips for family law matters
Here are some basic tips to consider when facing family law challenges.
- Use support services. There are free resources available, such as legal Aid and community centres. These can provide crucial assistance for people in a financially vulnerable position.
- Vet law firms. Don’t rush into working with a family law firm. Read online reviews and take advantage of free consultations if available.
- Be transparent. Speak openly and honestly with your lawyer. The more deeply they understand your situation and the outcomes you’re seeking, the easier it’ll be to secure the best result.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your lawyer questions. If you’re unsure of how the case is progressing or what you should do, seek clarification. Do you see something on an invoice that doesn’t make sense? Ask for an explanation.
- Be prepared. If your lawyer asks you to organise documentation for the case, access it in a timely manner to avoid any delays. When undergoing mediation, make sure you understand the essential topics being negotiated and what compromises you’re willing to discuss.
Conclusion
The right family lawyer provides important assistance through practical advice and relevant experience. They’re completely open about pricing and communicate effectively. On the other hand, a poor lawyer can make costly and time-consuming mistakes. Questionable billing practices and bad communication will make a client’s legal journey difficult.
If you’re seeking legal advice, our team is here to help. Contact us today for assistance with any issues arising from a divorce or separation.
