Paying more for an attorney does not guarantee better service.

 

Some people worry that they might be better off paying more for an attorney - that you "get what you pay for" and paying less for an attorney could cost you more money in the end. 

 

For most people, hiring a high-priced attorney is a waste of money. Ignore the common claims that family law attorneys make to coax you into paying their excessively high prices. They seldom help the client.

 

Think about this when hiring a family law attorney:

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1. EXPERIENCE IS OVERRATED

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Family law is basic law. Many cases are straight forward. Decades of experience means nothing. If someone has practiced five years or thirty-five-five years there is little difference, other than the cost.  

 

There is good reason to avoid the most experienced attorneys. Experienced attorneys charge more, but often get complacent working the same job for so long. They are afraid of change. They often hire young attorneys who do most of the work.

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2.  BEING A "CERTIFIED SPECIALST" IN FAMILY LAW MEANS NOTHING

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It is easy to become a certified specialist in family law. All you need is to have practiced family law for five years (part time is fine); pass a written exam that most pass; and pay the bar association more money.

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Attorneys want this designation as a marketing strategy. But nothing in the process proves the attorney is any better than an attorney who is not designated a Certified Specialist.

 

Since the California Bar charges an attorney for the Certified Specialist designation, you can bet you will be charged more by the attorney who is a Certified Specialist. 

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3. STAY AWAY FROM ATTORNEYS WHO SAY THEY WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

 

Attorneys promise to "fight for you" because that's how they make more money. Attacking the other party through the legal process – no matter how mad you are at them – should be avoided. That is a game for rich people with too much money.

 

An aggressive attorney could get you more money - but there is no guarantee. And you will pay the attorney a lot more whether you get more money or not.

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Getting divorced is expensive, I can tell you that from personal experience – and I paid no attorney’s fees. You don’t want to make it more expensive by getting “aggressive” with the other party’s lawyer.

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4. DON'T BELIEVE ATTORNEY REVIEWS

 

Don't trust good reviews - or bad ones. I have a separate page on why you should not trust Attorney Reviews. The bottom line is that it is easy to post fake reviews – and many family law attorneys do just that.

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5. BE WARY OF ATTORNEYS WHO SAY THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CLIENTS AND ARE AVAILABLE 24/7.

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Attorneys care most about getting paid. They care about you as long as they can make money from you. You are a client, not a friend. As soon as you stop paying, they stop caring. 

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If an attorney is available 24/7 - I question what kind of person this is, No family? Friends? Hobbies? Interests? You want an attorney who is available, but no one needs to be available 24/7.

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