There are thousands of qualified family lawyers in Sydney. Because of the insane level of competition in the industry, you must do everything you can to hire a solicitor with whom you are content. If you have never needed a solicitor or legal representative before, then this process can be quite daunting and confusing. Thankfully, the following quick guide will list all the questions and topics you need to address with family lawyers in Sydney before you commit to signing a contract. Let’s deep dive into this area.

Are you experienced in this field?

Not every solicitor is qualified or experienced in developing divorce settlements or wills. Criminal and civil solicitors likely won’t have the knowledge or technical expertise to understand explicitly what family lawyers in Sydney do (and visa versa).

Will my first consultation be free?

Many solicitors provide free initial consultations (including private operators); however, this is not a blanket rule for the industry. Make sure you are upfront with all family lawyers in Sydney about whether your first consultation will require payment.

How long will the process take?

It’s a perfectly reasonable question to ask; however, the answer is often vague. It can be hard to pinpoint how long a divorce settlement will go on for – some are over in a matter of months, while others can drag on for years. The length of the process is primarily predicated on how complicated the case is. Factors like whether there are children under the age of 18, large financial estates, and other compelling circumstances will play a key role in how long mediation or a court ruling will take.

What are my chances?

When convening with family lawyers in Sydney, it’s natural to want to know how strong your chances of success are. However, when it comes to these legal matters, it isn’t about winning or losing. What is most important is that both parties receive what is right and fair. For example, when it comes to parenting orders and custody arrangements, the courts often prefer more equal parenting arrangements. This doesn’t necessarily mean same time between both guardians (since this is often hard to maintain and achieve); however, it does mean equal parenting responsibility and accountability. If you are going through a divorce, don’t view it as a process of winning or losing, because there are often more important things than that, like your children and what’s best for them.

How does payment work?

This is an essential question to ask. Various family lawyers in Sydney use different payment structures and policies. Your solicitor is required to advise you in advance and in writing about how and when you should pay. If you are struggling for cash on hand, some solicitors will be mindful of your tight budget and delay payment until the matter has closed.

On the other hand, some family lawyers in Sydney will ask for some payment upfront (as a form of security). Remember, various aspects of the payment policy can be negotiated (such as the timing of payments), so make sure you’re upfront and clear about your needs and limitations.

What will you be doing for me exactly?

Not every divorce settlement is the same. Each case requires an astute understanding of the law and a degree of flexibility. As a client, you should be inquiring with family lawyers in Sydney as to the specifics of what they will be doing for you. What documents need to be filled? Written statements? Affidavits? Parenting consent orders? The more questions you ask, the more confident you will feel about the entire process.