Selecting a Family Lawyer

Here are guidelines for selecting an attorney from the family lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer in Pasadena, California.
“First, if you are planning legal separation, divorce or dissolution of a partnership, or if you are experiencing domestic violence or have been abandoned, you should immediately find a family lawyer,” advises Donald P. Schweitzer. The time and effort involved in selecting an attorney who is right for you and your situation is well-spent. Look for a competent, experienced, well-regarded law firm from the local community; choose a lawyer you feel confident is trustworthy.
The family lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer expect potential clients to interview them. Schweitzer says his firm is glad to schedule consultations. They look, as you should, for mutually comfortable relationships with clients.

Guidelines

As you consider hiring a divorce attorney:

• Choose a firm and attorney who specialize in family law.
• Choose a lawyer certified by the California Bar Association.
• Ask an attorney you are considering hiring about his or her experience in family law and divorce.

A general law practice (with practice areas including personal injury, civil law, criminal law, probate, estate law, etc.) is not a good choice when you have a family law problem.

• Ask trusted friends and colleagues if they know attorneys in your community who have established a good rapport with judges, mediators, and other attorneys. Avoid any lawyer who has a reputation of being aggressive or disliked by his colleagues.
  • Look on-line for an attorney with appropriate qualifications.
• Look for a lawyer who is equally interested in representing women and men.
• Be sure to choose an attorney who handles all issues related to family law, legal separation, divorce and dissolution of partnership, including support, division of property, child custody, paternity, and domestic violence.
• Ask your potential lawyer if he or she is willing to negotiate a settlement outside of court through mediation.
• Ask if he or she will be ready to go to trial if a court settlement of your case is necessary.
• Find an attorney who will explain your options to you thoroughly and answer all your questions.
• Look for a firm that uses written retainers for their services and charges reasonable, standard rates in accordance with fair market prices in your specific area.
• Be sure that the attorney you choose makes you feel comfortable and genuinely cares about your situation.

The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer can meet all these criteria. We care about helping our clients achieve the best results as together we solve problems in legal separation, divorce, dissolution, domestic violence, child custody, support, visitation, division of property and paternity. While we will fight hard in court, we believe that settlement outside of court is equally prestigious for us and usually better for our clients. We listen and we keep you informed. Please contact us for a consultation.