When you are interviewing a private attorney be sure to:
- Ask for background and references (don’t just go by someone’s recommendation).
- Ask what portion of the practice is family law.
- Does the attorney have trial experience?
- How long as the attorney been practicing law?
- How much is the retainer fee and is any unused portion refundable?
- What is the attorney’s hourly rate?
- Will you be receiving copies of all transactions and an itemized bill?
- If the bill reflects work labeled “research”, ask for an explanation of services.
- Can the attorney be reached in an emergency or on weekends?
- What are you entitled to, according to the law?
- Don’t sign waivers.
- Don’t use an attorney the defendant has used in the past.