Kay Polk Family Law Blog on Lawyers.com

How to Find a Caring but Tough Attorney

Monday, June 29, 2009 by Kay Polk

Finding a caring yet tough attorney is not as simple as opening up the yellow pages and looking under “Houston Family Lawyers.” You won’t be able to tell if the attorney is compassionate, yet aggressive, and what their personality and demeanor is.

When you need to find a Houston attorney (or one in another area) to represent you in a family law matter, you should follow these guidelines:

Ask a family member or trusted friend whom they used for a similar situation. You should get two to three names.
Contact the Houston Bar Association or the State Bar of Texas for recommendations in your area. Choosing a family law attorney close to your home or office can make appointments easier, especially if you will bring children along with you.
Call the family law attorneys referred to you and ask if they offer free initial consultations.
Bring any documentation or previous agreements you think may be helpful during your consultation.
Take notes, ask questions, and research any resources the attorney gives you.
Ask the Houston family law attorney how many cases they have handled comparable to yours. If you are presenting a case requiring litigation, inquire about the outcome of these cases.
How many years experience does the family law firm have? Does their area of practice concentrate on family law in Houston?
Does the attorney seem aggressive, yet compassionate? Are they showing concern for your children if it’s a contested or uncontested divorce case?
Do you think the family law attorney understands what you are trying to accomplish?
Is the attorney patient with your family law questions, or shows impatience when you need explanations of family law terms?
Most importantly, determine if the attorney understands what you are looking for, and how comfortable you feel with the attorney’s experience and personality.

Note if you find an attorney but don’t feel comfortable with them, you have the right to a second opinion.

Provided by th Houston Family Law Firm of Kay Polk, 1502 Augusta, Suite 390, Houston, Texas 77057.

Posted at 18:06 PM

Topic: Family Law