
Selecting a family lawyer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your matter—and your peace of mind. For separation, custody, or property settlement, the right legal support ensures a smoother process and better outcome.
Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing a family lawyer, especially if you’re based in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
Choosing a Family Lawyer: Key Factors to Consider
1. Experience and Expertise
Family law requires expertise, experience, and staying updated on legislation and industry trends. Look for a lawyer who specialises in family law (aka not a jack of everything, master of none!) and a lawyer that has a proven track record in cases similar to yours.
Whether it’s negotiating amicable resolutions or representing clients in court, their experience should align with your needs.
Family law cases are also often influenced by local laws, court procedures, and even the nuances of local judges.
If you live in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of Queensland law can provide invaluable insights and tailored strategies. Their familiarity with the local legal landscape can give you an edge, especially in contentious situations.
2. Transparency and Costs
Legal fees can add up quickly, particularly the traditional approaches and law firms, where cases are not invoiced regularly or clients kept up to date of the ongoing costs.
It is therefore crucial to choose a lawyer who is upfront and clear about their pricing structure.
Transparent communication about costs ensures you can budget appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses down the line.
At Martens Legal, for example, we pride ourselves on providing a clear, straightforward breakdown of your anticipated costs at the outset of your matter, as well as on an ongoing basis throughout, so our clients know what to expect. We also ensure the right person in our team is doing the right work, to ensure affordability and limiting unnecessary costs for our clients.
3. Communication Style
A good lawyer not only listens but also communicates clearly and consistently. Ensure the lawyer explains legal terms clearly during your consultation to confirm they align with your needs. Your lawyer should make you feel heard and confident about your legal strategy.
4. Values and Approach
If you’re aiming for an amicable resolution, it’s essential to choose a lawyer who shares this approach.
Some lawyers may be more inclined to be the unnecessarily aggressive and litigatious types aka ‘bull dog lawyers’, which might not suit your goals (or it might, and if so, Martens Legal are not the lawyers for you).
Be clear about your priorities and ask how they would handle your case.
At Martens Legal, we focus on resolution focussed and negotiated solutions to reduce stress and costs for our clients while preserving relationships wherever possible.
Choosing a Family Lawyer: Take the First Step
Choosing the right family lawyer can make all the difference in achieving a positive outcome.
By considering their experience, transparency, communication style, and values and approach, you’ll find a professional who can guide you through this challenging time with confidence and care.
Looking for trusted Brisbane and Sunshine Coast family lawyers? Connect with Martens Legal today.
Let us help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.