Six steps to help you find the right family law attorney in La Verne CA.
Family law disputes can be stressful to say the least. Whether you are the party initiating the legal proceeding or the one responding to a divorce filing, child support petition, child custody change, etc., you need a quality family law attorney in La Verne CA on your side. Here are 6 steps that will help you find an attorney you can trust.
1. Make a List of Local Attorneys.
Using sources like the Yellow Pages, Google, or Avvo.com, compile a list of possible candidates for your family law attorney in La Verne CA. Remember that even if you live in La Verne CA, your case may not be filed in our local county court. Maybe your spouse or your child lives in a different county and the law requires the case to be filed there. At Kendall & Gkikas we appear regularly in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County Courts.
2. Research the Attorneys.
Online review sites like Avvo.com are a great place to look for information about attorneys. You can find information about their education, experience, practice areas, and any disciplinary actions or complaints against them. You can also read real client reviews that will help you get a sense of the attorneys’ approach to their work.
3. Schedule Initial Appointments.
The initial consultation is vital for helping attorney and client to get to know one another. It is also an opportunity to explore the details of your case and get an expert explanation of your options on how to proceed. Many attorneys offer free consultations, but these are typically short 15-minute affairs where you might spend 10 minutes filling out paperwork with a paralegal and 5 minutes with the attorney. At Kendall & Gkikas, we charge $60 for a consultation but you get a full hour with either Thomas Kendall or Kristina Kendall-Gkikas.
4. Ask Questions.
Before you attend your initial appointments, prepare a list of questions for your prospective attorney in La Verne CA. For example, you might ask about pricing and timing or about some specific legal aspect of your case. You should also ask about the attorney’s experience in the specific area of family law relevant to your case.
5. Compare Notes.
After each appointment, record your impressions of the attorney. Did they seem knowledgeable and compassionate? Did they communicate concepts to you clearly and in terms you could understand? Do you think this is someone you can feel confident trusting to act in your best interests?
6. Hire an Attorney.
After taking these steps, hopefully you have found at least one family law attorney in La Verne CA that you are excited to work with. Call them with the good news that you’d like to retain them as your attorney!
