Navigating family law is seldom smooth or painless; asking the right questions during a family lawyer consultation can make a person informed and confident. Whether it involves divorce, disputes over custody of the children, or spousal support, one’s opportunity during the consultation is to clarify whether the lawyer will be a good fit. The focus of our Portland family lawyer is to ensure clear communication and provide our clients with the knowledge to make empowered decisions.
Helping Oregon Families Through Their Toughest Times
The best way to understand a family law attorney’s style and expertise and how they will handle your case is to ask them straightforward questions.
These questions will be the starting point for ascertaining their experience and suitability for your needs.
Family law can involve everything from divorce and child custody to disputes over support. It is fundamental to know whether the lawyer’s experience fits your case. You want to ask about their history of handling cases similar to yours and about state-specific knowledge.
Experienced attorneys skilled in Oregon laws will explain ORS 107.837, which outlines attorney’s fees in domestic relations cases, and many others to you for clarity on rights and responsibilities.
Not less important is the general approach to the case from a lawyer’s point of view. The questions will reveal their philosophy on litigation versus amicable resolution. For example, do they push mediation or collaborative law or go to court? How does he or she handle cases involving contested custody or high-conflict divorce situations? These questions will explain how he or she can balance the resolution of issues effectively while protecting your interests.
Open, honest communication is key to your matter. At your consultation, ask how you will be informed of the status. Will you receive regular status reports on your case? Do they prefer email, telephone, or office visits? How quickly do they get back to questions?
The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.4 requires attorneys to inform clients and consult on major decisions. Make sure your attorney follows these guidelines.
Knowing how your attorney charges is the best way to avoid surprises. Ask questions like:
Also, discuss whether attorney fees can be assigned to or recovered from other parties in your case. This upfront communication ensures proper expectations and avoids misunderstandings.
Your case deserves an attorney with experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of Oregon family law. At Levine Law Center LLC, located at 1020 SW Taylor St, Suite 429, Portland, OR 97205, we are here to guide you through the legal process with care and professionalism. Contact us today at 503-433-8340 to schedule your consultation.
Anthony Stuart joined the Levine Law Center team in 2019 and is admitted to practice law in Oregon and Florida (presently inactive). He started his legal career in Florida and first started practicing family law alongside a complex business and family immigration law practice. After moving to Oregon in 2015, Anthony established a new law practice dedicated to working with small to medium-sized enterprises on regulatory matters, governmental affairs, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
Anthony Stuart
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