Of course, everyone wants the right family lawyers Brisbane to represent them during legal troubles. But what does that mean? We might have vague notions of experience and affordability. However, there’s a lot that goes into these factors. What kind of experience do they have? What do appropriate fee structures look like? We’ve identified five qualities that should help you find the right assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A lawyer should be able to communicate effectively and compassionately.
- Some law firms are experienced in the complexities of different areas of family law.
- Good lawyers recognise when to seek mediation and when to pursue litigation.
- Lawyers should be transparent about their fees.
- Look for law firms that have strong community ties.
- There are different ways to find the right lawyer.
Top five qualities to look for in Brisbane family lawyers
There are many ways to break down what constitutes a good family lawyer. We’ve narrowed it down to five qualities that you can use to assess law firms.
Good communication
The Family Law Act covers complex legal issues. Your lawyer should be able to simplify complicated matters so you can fully understand your situation and the available options. Lawyers who rely on jargon and do not seem interested in clarifying difficult issues will be difficult to work with.
Another dimension to communication is how a lawyer supports their clients. Family law issues are often stressful and scary. Clients must be treated with compassion and empathy. This does not mean that a lawyer should become their client’s therapist. That would blur professional boundaries and add stress for the lawyer. It means that communication is handled with appreciation for the difficulties a client is facing and makes them feel supported.
An experienced team
There are many different parts to the family law process. Family law firms may have a team that is experienced across all areas, including:
Court proceedings.
De facto relationships.
These matters may contain various complexities that require significant experience to manage. For example:
Large asset pools. Financial arrangements may include complicated structures like business interests and family trusts. A good lawyer will be able to secure your property settlement entitlement.
Parenting and jurisdiction. Some child custody arrangements involve international family law matters. An experienced child custody lawyer understands the legal procedures regarding the return of abducted children through the Hague Convention.
De facto relationships. Brisbane divorce lawyers should be able to assist de facto couples going through a relationship breakdown. De facto couples have similar rights to married couples regarding financial separation and parenting disputes. However, there may be complications regarding entitlement to a property division based on the length of the relationship.
Negotiation. BFAs require parties to seek independent legal advice. Highly experienced family lawyers can represent your interests effectively and protect you from unfair agreements.
Litigation. Sometimes, family law disputes escalate to court action. Family law solicitors should be capable of advocating for you effectively during the legal process. This may include:
Compiling evidence.
Engaging witnesses.
Organising expert reports.
Seeking interim orders when appropriate.
Approach to family law services
It is important to understand how a lawyer prefers to handle cases to determine if they are right for you. The two primary ways to manage family law issues are dispute resolution and litigation.
Dispute resolution
Dispute resolution typically leads to faster and more affordable outcomes. Mediation of parenting and property arrangements can allow parties to find mutually agreeable solutions and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Court procedures
Mediation isn’t always possible. For example, if there are family violence concerns, dispute resolution may not be safe. An accredited family law specialist will understand when litigation is warranted and act accordingly.
Transparent fee structure
Fee transparency should be non-negotiable. Does that mean they always are? Unfortunately, no. Do not be afraid to assert your right to know exactly what you are paying for. Request a costs disclosure agreement that covers all expenses and billing practices.
Financial support
Family law advice from an experienced practitioner often comes at a premium. However, there may be ways that a law firm can work with clients to agree on an appropriate budget and fee structure. There are various ways to achieve this, including:
Fixed-fee arrangements. Charging fixed fees for services can give clients peace of mind. They’ll know exactly how much they can expect to pay. This makes budgeting easier.
Flexible payment options. There are more ways to organise payments than you may realise. For example:
Some firms may be willing to accept a deferred fee arrangement. This is where financial costs are covered after a case is resolved.
Perhaps you don’t want to pay all at once. The firm may issue invoices monthly so clients can make smaller, regular payments.
Community focus
Look for firms that maintain their profession’s best practices. These are your trusted family lawyers. Members of the Queensland Law Society are bound by professional standards. It’s also worth searching for firms with strong connections to their local community. This can be demonstrated in different ways.
Local awards. Local business awards can show the respect a firm has earned. Awards can recognise professionalism and other contributions to the community.
Sponsorships. Some law firms may financially sponsor local organisations. Financially investing in the community shows a dedication to the local area.
Local collaborations. Some lawyers dedicate time to providing trusted legal advice in the community. They might volunteer at community legal centres and domestic violence shelters, or hold free legal information sessions.
Finding the right representation
Understanding what to look for in a professional family lawyer is one thing. But how do you go about finding them? Here are some avenues to consider.
Google reviews. Online reviews may be useful if they provide good detail and are recent. Look for consistent points to determine what clients particularly appreciated about the firm.
Family and friends. Speak to people you are close to who have gone through family law matters similar to yours. Get as much information as you can, but respect their privacy if they’re not comfortable sharing.
Law firm’s website. Websites contain a lot of useful information about the firm’s services. Try sending a message through the ‘Contact Us’ page to check how quickly they respond.
Consultation. Many firms offer a free initial consultation. This is an excellent opportunity to meet them face-to-face and get to know who they are firsthand. This is particularly useful to understand how they communicate and whether you feel comfortable with them.
From our clients
Peter has been fantastic to work with. He has advised me on some consent orders by which he's been super prompt and clear in his communication with me, in addition to being patient, personable and professional. It's been great to have my matter dealt with swiftly and at a very reasonable compensation also. Thank you Peter!
- Carly Jones
Conclusion
What comes to mind when you think of a good family lawyer? You would likely consider someone with the right experience who is affordable. Those are reasonable expectations. However, you also need to assess how applicable their experience is to your situation and whether their fees are fair. There are other factors you may not consider. Will they have the right approach? Can they communicate well? We want this article to help clients explore their options effectively.
Contact our law firm
Are you looking for an experienced Brisbane family lawyer? Contact our office to arrange an initial consultation.
