How to Find the Best Family Lawyers?

by Kevin Smith Author

The process of separation can be very difficult for all parties involved but with an experienced legal team behind you, you can have peace of mind concerning your case. To find the best family lawyers in Stephenville, check out these search tips.

Word of Mouth

Due to increasing divorce rates in the United States, chances are you know somebody in your social circle who has already gone through the divorce process. Word-of-mouth is usually your best source of information especially when its based on first-hand experiences. However, the divorce process can be very stressful for many clients who prefer to keep the details of their suit private. Be respectful and tactful when asking for recommendations for legal counsel and don't pry into sensitive details of a specific case.

Online Results

Another easy way to find a lawyer is to search online using your favorite search engine. Google and the Better Business Bureau are good places to start but you’ll also find lawyers on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. The Better Business Bureau is especially unique in that negative reviews can’t be deleted by the business. Instead, firms are given the opportunity to resolve negative feedback and improve their ratings on a public platform. This level of transparency and customer service is usually an accurate reflection of the company committed to your satisfaction. Other websites like Avvo and Martindale Hubbell are specifically dedicated to finding and rating lawyers and law firms according to the area of practice. The reviews on Martindale are written by clients as well as peers within the industry. Peer reviews written by other lawyers and personnel inside the legal systems provides a unique overview of a prospective representative.

Business Credentials

As you narrow down your list of potential candidates, verify their business credentials: operating license, education, and accreditation. The operating license is given by the local or state business bureau and renewed on a yearly basis. Verifying the business license is the easiest way to weed out scam artists posing as lawyers. Next, verify their educational backgrounds. Where did they go to school and what did they specialize in? If you're going through a separation or child custody battle, look specifically for lawyers with a background in family law. Finally, ask about their professional affiliations with nationally recognized organizations. Organizations like the American Bar Association provide continuing education for lawyers and ensures that their members are up to date on the latest changes in the justice system.

These search tips will give you peace of mind in your search for the best family lawyers in Stephenville.