This is a request often posted on social media. It’s a problematic request. It doesn’t really tell the reader what you are looking for. It doesn’t set any parameters. It doesn’t define what makes a family law attorney “good” for you.
You must first know what the issues are when you are looking for the right attorney. Does your case involve child custody, or only a division of debts and assets? Are you seeking spousal support? Are you seeking child support? There are an array of issues that come up in the realm of family law. Make sure the attorney you hire is “good” when it comes to the issues in your specific case.
At the very core, any good family law attorney is going to know what the law is. Specifically, they will know the current state of the law for the issue in your case in your geographic area. Each state has its own laws, and each state is made up of different districts which may have their own way of interpreting those laws. For example, Hamilton County, Ohio is in the 1st District. Clermont County is in the 12th. Often the family courts in these two counties will process and decide upon cases similarly, but sometimes they arrive at different decisions based upon a ruling from their district’s Court of Appeals. A good family law attorney will understand the nuances between the districts.
Beyond knowing the law, what makes a family law attorney “good” for your case depends on what values and approaches you find important. Are you looking for an aggressive attorney that won’t let the other side get a word in edgewise? Are you looking for a competitive and results-oriented litigation attorney to fight for you in a trial? Are you looking for an attorney who will advocate for an outcome that aligns with your values? Are you looking for an attorney that is cooperative and will be integral in facilitating a joint resolution of the issues? Are you looking for an attorney who will use a trauma-informed approach, or one who will use a more trauma-inflicting approach?
If you would like to know more about what issues this firm handles, and what our approach is like, contact us for a consultation today.
What Makes a Family Law Attorney “Good”?