Finding the right family lawyer to assist with a family legal issue is crucial. One of the best ways to determine which firm is right for you is to meet directly with the lawyer at their location. Many firms offer potential clients a free initial consultation so you can get a better sense of their legal service. You can get the most out of these opportunities with the right preparation. Here are our tips for approaching lawyer for free consultations.
Key takeaways
There are various avenues you can use to search for local law firms.
Assess the available firms to create a short-list for appointments.
Gather relevant information and a list of questions to cover all of your key concerns.
Review the discussion afterwards to assess their communication and your comfort level.
Look for legal help early. Be honest with your lawyer and follow up on their advice.
Our clients attest to the qualities our team brings to every case.
Finding a lawyer
Before setting up discussions, you need to find what family law firms are available in your area. There are different ways to do this, such as searching online directories, asking for recommendations, or contacting local organisations for advice. You can also check with your local court for a list of family law firms or legal professionals who provide relevant services. This will help you gather the information you need to make informed decisions about which firms to call for advice and support.
Google search
A basic Google search will give you a list of local firms. It’s helpful to be as specific as possible. For example, instead of “Australian family lawyers”, try “Caloundra family lawyers near me“.
Official law institutes
Industry bodies such as the Queensland Law Society have a directory of law firms on their website that you can use to find lawyers in your area. They can also help you determine what area of law your issue falls under. This may seem obvious, but in some cases, it may not be clear. For example, if your case involves family violence, should you find a family lawyer or a criminal lawyer? Understanding this will help you provide legal advice.
Community legal centres
Community legal centres offer a range of helpful resources and legal aid for parties facing a legal issue or legal problem. Organisations like the Sunshine Coast Legal Centre have volunteer legal professionals who provide free legal advice and legal information, including support for those experiencing family violence. This can make navigating the legal system much easier. They also have a referral service that connects parties with partnered firms for further legal aid and assistance.
Free legal advice
Other online resources, such as Family Relationships Online, have a free legal advice line for legal information and legal aid. They can also refer you to other legal services, such as dispute resolution providers or support for court matters. The free legal advice line is available every day, excluding public holidays and Sundays, and any information you share is kept confidential. This service ensures you can access advice and legal aid when you need it most.
Assessing available law firms
Once you discover what firms are in your local area, you can then create a more targeted short-list of candidate firms. Here are steps you can take to determine which firms you would be interested in meeting, especially if you are seeking free legal advice, legal aid, or support services.
Consider whether the firm offers assistance with court matters, provides free legal information, or has experience in the specific area you need help with. This approach will help you find the right support and services for your legal needs.
Online reviews. Search engines like Google have a platform for online reviews of law firms. Reviews provide critical insights into a firm’s legal services. Look for lawyers that have a significant number of reviews and an average rating of at least 4 and a half stars. Consider negative reviews, if any, to get an accurate sense of their performance. Prioritise more recent reviews that go into detail.
Testimonials from family and friends. We usually trust people who are closest to us over any other source. If any close associates have gone through a divorce or other legal problem, ask them about their experience. Get as much detail as possible, but don’t pry if they’re uncomfortable.
Law firm websites. A firm’s website is useful for getting specific information about their team. You can learn about their experience and any accreditations they have received. It’s also important to find out what particular legal services they offer. Not every firm offers comprehensive family law assistance. Some firms won’t represent clients in litigation. Others may assist with financial consent orders, but not binding financial agreements. Ensure that the firms you choose to consult with actually cover the service you need.
Preparing for the consultation
Once you’ve decided on which law firms you will meet with, it’s time to prepare. Being organised for the discussion will help you get the most out of your time. Here are some basic steps to complete: Gather any documents related to your legal issue, make a list of questions or advice you need, and write any upcoming court dates. Contact the organisations or offices ahead of time to confirm your appointment and ask if there’s anything specific you should bring. This preparation will help ensure your meeting is as productive as possible.
Gather relevant information
Having the necessary documentation available will help the lawyer understand your individual circumstances and provide the best advice. Include all information, whether confidential or not, such as court documents, contact details of involved parties, and any correspondence from relevant organisations or locations.
Information confidential
Even if you don’t end up hiring the lawyer, your free appointment is covered by a duty of confidentiality. You may also want to bring information about any costs you’ve incurred, as well as documents related to your status as a victim if applicable. Here’s some documentation you may want to consider.
Event timeline. Write a detailed breakdown of key events in bullet points. This could include your date of separation, living arrangements, and any court orders that are already in place.
Documentation. Bring all of the documents related to your case, such as:
Copy of existing court orders.
Record of any communication.
Parenting plans.
Financial documents.
List of questions
Write a list of questions that cover your major concerns. Here are some example questions:
What is the likely outcome of my case?
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
How long does it usually take to settle cases like mine?
What is the process and timeline for resolving this case?
What costs would be involved in this case?
Would I meet the eligibility criteria for spousal maintenance?
Matters for discussion on legal help
Be ready to talk the essential elements of your situation, whether it involves property, business, or other confidential matters. Consider what your priorities and goals are—are you seeking a particular custody, property, or business arrangement? This can help keep your appointment focused and ensure you receive the most relevant advice.
If you have any immediate concerns, such as upcoming court dates or issues related to specific locations, be sure to mention them. If you need help with financial hardship or an unsafe domestic environment, a lawyer could connect you with support services. Also, make a note of any important pages or documents you want to discuss during your meeting.
After the consultation
Now that you’ve completed your discussion, it’s time to take stock of the appointment. By preparing correctly beforehand, you’ll be able to determine how you would benefit from their legal help. Here are some points to reflect on.
Quality of the communication. Effective communication is central to high-quality legal representation. Make note of how well they were able to explain the legal processes involved. Were they able to provide advice on how cases similar to yours progress? Lawyers who overly rely on legal jargon or can’t break down the legal process simply should be avoided.
Assess your comfort level. This may seem slightly abstract, but consider how comfortable you were meeting with them. Did the lawyer make you feel valued and heard, or did they seem disinterested? Family law matters can be sensitive and personal. You should have a partnership based on trust with your lawyer to work effectively with them.
The next steps. You should come away from the discussion with a sense of the next steps you should take, such as gathering additional documentation. A good lawyer may send you a legal strategy for your case based on your meeting.
Final tips
Don’t wait too long to find legal assistance. If you take action early, you can potentially prevent legal issues from escalating.
Be completely honest during your discussion. Omitting information can make it more difficult for a lawyer to accurately assess your case.
Follow up on the advice the lawyer gives you. Even if you don’t end up hiring them, you can still gain valuable information to act on.
From our clients
Rowena and her team at Ferrall & Co went above and beyond to help me achieve what no other firm I previously engaged were able to do. Not only that, it was achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner in comparison, with clear and effective guidance throughout. If you are looking for results based legal representation, and a firm that really cares about your situation, I would highly recommend. A+++
– James Walker
Our team exhibits all the qualities you should expect from a law firm, whether you need support inside or outside of court. We won’t waste your time or charge exorbitant prices for our services. We ensure that all of our clients know their rights, what to expect in court, and how we’ll proceed. We cut out the jargon and speak with you in easy-to-understand terms. Most importantly, we treat our clients with compassion. We care deeply about your case and helping you turn a new page.
Conclusion
Consulting with a lawyer for free consultation prior to hiring them is one of the best ways to assess their services. All information confidential shared during this meeting is protected, so you can discuss your situation openly. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to make the best use of your limited time. By reviewing your meeting afterwards, you can make an informed decision about which law firm best suits you.
Do you need legal advice?
Our team is ready to provide legal advice for your legal concerns. We assist with family law, criminal matters, domestic violence victims, and traffic offences. Contact our office today.
