Family law attorneys are in charge of solving several family-related legal matters, including divorce, separation, child custody, adoption, creation of marital agreements, and finalizing a parenting plan. Whether the divorce is collaborative or litigated, both parties can benefit by hiring individual lawyers to deal with their share of problems and concerns. If you are thinking of hiring a suitable family lawyer to settle significant marital or family affairs, here are the qualities to look out for:

1. Experience (inside and outside the courtroom)

The more experienced a family lawyer, the better. Experience enables a lawyer to comprehend and resolve complicated family matters efficiently. An attorney whose primary field of practice isn’t family law will not be able to achieve the best results. You need someone who can grasp your situation with ease and is ready to take on a challenge. Family Law Attorney in Santa Rosa, CA, can help you jump all hurdles inside and outside the courtroom.

2. Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills are a necessity for family law attorneys, as most of their time is spent negotiating. An attorney who is responsive and assertive is likely to win an argument in any room. If a lawyer struggles to make a point or cannot answer all your questions, you should reflect upon their competence. You definitely have better chances of having your way if your legal representative sounds confident and convincing.

3. High level of Commitment

You need a family law attorney who is eager to listen to you and takes genuine interest in your story. Someone who is indifferent or aloof would not be the right person to intervene in your personal matters. Family lawyers who treat their clients like family are the most committed and successful ones. They focus on one case at a time, so that each and every client receives their full attention. 

4. Professionalism

Family law attorneys are often exposed to emotional and dramatic situations, but they need to maintain objectivity at all times. While satisfying the client is their foremost duty, they have to act rationally and be reasonable with words. Professional attorneys focus on facts and real evidence, rather than wasting time on impracticable theories. They are always punctual for meetings and precise in their interactions.

5. Transparency

Transparency might be a difficult quality to find, but when and if you do, know that this lawyer is a keeper. An attorney should always be honest with their client, no matter how bitter or devastating the reality of a situation. When it comes to payment and pricing, make sure that there are no hidden charges. You want to hire a lawyer who provides affordable, yet valuable service.

6. Attentiveness

Family law attorneys who are curious and pay attention to details never let their clients down. Legal family matters are sensitive and complex; hence, empathy and creativity is required to make things right. Your lawyer should be reachable whenever you need their advice or support, and also have the courtesy to return your calls.

7. Approachability

A family law attorney is someone who gets to see you up-close, since you reveal a great deal of private info to them (and even a few secrets). You will feel uncomfortable being open or candid with a lawyer who doesn’t seem approachable. The lawyer you work with should be easy to talk to and confide in, i.e. an amenable personality.