My staff and I understand the difficult time you’re going through and we’re eager to help you through it. We believe that our experience will help you in ways beyond just serving as your mediator or advocate. We’ve prepared the list of questions below specifically to help you make an informed decision in hiring a lawyer. If you have additional questions, we hope you’ll give us the opportunity to respond to them.

1. What is the timetable in my case? When can I expect significant developments?

2. Explain your process in handling a matter like mine?

3. Have you handled cases like mine?

4. How long have you been handling family law matters?

5. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to family law?

6. What kind of experience do you have in contested family law cases?

7. What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?  What is mediation?  Is mediation an appropriate alternative to litigation for my case?

8. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?

9. What is expected of me in connection with my case?

10. What information will you need from me?

11. Will I be working with you throughout my case, or will I be working with another lawyer and/or paralegal?  May I meet the other lawyer that might be working on my case?

12. What is your hourly rate?  What are the hourly rates of the other lawyer and/or paralegal that might be working on my case?

13. What is your policy about returning telephone calls?

14. Do you expect a retainer (deposit of funds) to be provided?  If so, how much?

15. What happens when my retainer is used up?

16. If you have not used my entire retainer at the end of the case, will you refund the unused portion of my retainer?

17. Do you charge for photocopies and faxes?  If so, how much?

18. Do you accept credit cards?

19. Will I be copied on all correspondence about my case?