There are many reasons you may want to hire a lawyer such as a divorce, estate planning and business creation. Finding a new attorney can be a daunting process. One thing that can help you find the right one for you is to ask them a few questions during the consultation.
How Do They Communicate?
After searching for lawyers near me, you should come armed with questions. Many law cases can take months to resolve. You want to stay informed about the status of your case or legal documents throughout the process. Some communicate during specific stages of the case such as when they have questions or new development. They may primarily use email, phone or even text messaging.
What Qualifications Do They Have?
While a general attorney may work in a small town, most people need someone who specializes in a specific area of law. In fact, certain cases may require expertise in niche topics. Ask them what certifications or skills they have that can help them with your specific case.
How Can They Help You?
A lawyer with inexperience in your specific type of case may not be very effective. You want someone who has experience in this area of law. For example, you want to hire an attorney experienced with child custody if you are getting divorced and have children. If you want to create a living trust, a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice may not be the best choice.
What Can You Expect to Pay?
Lawyers can be very expensive depending on the case. Ask them to explain how they charge for services. Do they charge for every email? If so, do they charge by the quarter-hour or a flat fee each one? What if you go to trial? Each lawyer bills on a different rate and fee schedule. Make sure you leave the consultation with this in hand. Then ask them how they expect you to pay. Having this out in the open can help create a good relationship right from the start.