5 Tips for Picking the Best Family Law Attorney – Why Choose CHM


If you are dealing with a family issue in Phoenix, Arizona, you will likely need to retain a family law attorney. However, you will likely find that there are many different attorneys practicing in Phoenix and might not know how to narrow down your decision to find the attorney who will work best for you.

Choosing the best family law attorney to represent you can make a difference in the outcome of your case while also helping you through the emotional process.

The best divorce lawyer or the best child custody lawyer should be someone who takes your concerns seriously and listens to you with empathy. The best family law attorney should be committed to helping you achieve a good resolution to the issues in your case so that you can move forward with your life once the legal proceedings are over.

Whether you are searching for the best divorce lawyer or the best child custody lawyer, here are five tips for how to find the best family law attorney to handle your case.

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5 Tips for Picking the Best Family Law Attorney – Why Choose CHM

1. The Best Family Law Attorney Should Be Someone You Trust and Like.

When you retain a lawyer to handle your family law matter, you will work closely with them throughout the case. You will likely need to tell your lawyer things that might be sensitive or embarrassing and that you would rather not have to disclose to anyone. This makes it important that you find a lawyer whom you can trust.

You will have to talk to your lawyer frequently, and you’ll also need to understand what your lawyer explains to you about your case and how the law applies.

When you meet with a potential attorney, pay attention to how they communicate with you. Ask yourself whether the lawyer listens to what you have to say and avoids interrupting you. A good attorney should ask you detailed questions about your situation so that they can gain a better understanding of the issues you are facing.

They should also be able to explain the law and how it applies in easily understandable language and treat you with respect. If you notice that an attorney interrupts you or doesn’t listen to what you are saying, you should trust your gut and choose someone else.

When you interview a prospective lawyer, consider the following things:

• Whether you get along with the attorney and have a good personality match
• The attorney’s communication methods and promptness in responding to inquiries
• Whether the attorney can work within your budget
• How the office staff and paralegals treat you
• Whether the lawyer will personally handle your case or hand it off to a junior associate

When you hire a family lawyer, you will be working with them closely for months. If you retain someone you dislike, an already difficult divorce or child custody dispute can be even harder to deal with.

2. The Best Divorce Lawyer Should Have Experience Handling Your Type of Case.

Many attorneys focus on different areas of the law. If you are ending your marriage, the best divorce lawyer to handle your case should have significant experience with handling your specific type of case. For example, you wouldn’t want to hire a great personal injury attorney to handle your divorce. While that lawyer might be a great person to hire if you are seriously injured in an accident, they might not know the particular laws that apply to divorce and other family law matters.

Similarly, the best child custody lawyer should be someone who has experience with handling cases involving issues similar to yours. Ask a prospective lawyer about how long they have practiced family law and whether they have handled other cases with similar fact patterns to yours.

3. Ask for Recommendations but Make Your Own Decision.

Asking co-workers, family members, and friends for their recommendations is a place you can begin your search for the best child custody lawyer or divorce attorney. You can also check online directories to identify local law firms that practice family law and review attorney reviews and different law firm websites to get an idea.

However, regardless of where you first obtained information about a potential attorney, you shouldn’t make a hiring decision until you have taken the time to meet with them.

Every family law case is unique, and your needs will likely be different than those of your family members or friends who have hired family lawyers in the past. You should also read online reviews with a critical eye. In some cases, you might have trouble distinguishing between real and fake reviews.

4. Ask the Attorney About Trial Experience.

Thankfully, most family law cases settle outside of court. However, there are certain situations in which going to trial might be necessary. For example, if you are unable to negotiate a settlement agreement with your estranged spouse or domestic violence was involved in your relationship, you might need to litigate the outstanding issues in your case at a divorce or child custody trial.

Some attorneys who practice family law have never litigated cases at trial. You will want to find a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to trial and represent your interests if court litigation is necessary to resolve the issues in your case. Ask the attorney you are considering about their trial experience, including the number of cases they have taken to trial and what the outcomes were.

In family law matters, settlement and litigation experience are equally important. You need to find an attorney who is just as comfortable in the courtroom as they are in settlement negotiations. In addition to asking a potential lawyer about their trial experience, ask them about their experience in handling negotiations through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce.

Ideally, the right attorney to handle your case will have both significant trial experience and settlement experience. If your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement in your family law case, it can help to save time and money for you. However, if a settlement is unreachable, you’ll want to have an attorney who is willing and able to fight for your rights in court.

5. Look for an Attorney with an Understandable Fee Structure.

Family law cases can quickly become expensive. The attorney you consider should be able to explain their fee structure to you upfront in a way that you understand. Ask your lawyer if they charge an hourly rate, a retainer, or a flat fee for your type of case.

If they use an hourly rate, ask how they break down their billing so that you understand when you might be charged. Your lawyer may be able to estimate a ballpark figure of what your case might cost, so be sure to ask so that you know what to expect.

Talk to the Family Law Attorneys at Colburn Hintze Maletta

Colburn Hintze Maletta are award-winning family law attorneys renowned in the Arizona legal community for their tenacity and dedication in and out of court. When you become a client of CHM Law, we provide you with the most effective legal representation to obtain the desired outcome.

If you are searching for the best family law attorney to handle your case, schedule a free consultation with Colburn Hintze Maletta to learn how our lawyers can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (602) 825-2500.

 

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Real Client Reviews

Below are just a few of what our clients have to say!

“The calm in the middle of my storm…”

I, recently, consulted with Darin after my wife filed for divorce. He was referred to me by a friend whom I very much trust. Darin was the antithesis of the first two attorneys I consulted (who were matter-of-fact and had very little empathy about the fact that I was struggling emotionally with what was transpiring). From the first few minutes of speaking with Darin, it was obvious that he was very knowledgeable and skilled with divorce and family matters. While that was most important to me, the thing that made the difference was his calming, logical, and empathetic approach. He took the time to listen and empathize with me. He took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve through this process and laid out my options. After the consultation, I knew he would be my attorney if I had to pull the trigger. I, ultimately, didn’t have to engage Darin’s services due to a reconciliation with my wife. I hope I never have to go through that process again, however, if I do, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who I will be hiring to represent me…Darin R. Colburn. Darin, thank you for caring and being more than an attorney.

Frank – AVVO Review

Divorce / Reconciliation Client

“There is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David”

I hired David Maletta and it was the best decision of my life. His knowledge, genuine interest, overall attitude, and ability to connect with people is incomparable. I could talk about all of this at length. I COULD do all of that, but that wouldn’t do David justice. He first and foremost demonstrates his interest and genuine care for his client. Being in uncharted territory with a criminal charge and nowhere to turn, David’s presence and personality put all nerves at ease. I went through a jury trial with David beside me. The trial ran for 3 days and I spent a significant amount of time with David one-on-one. During this stressful time, he wanted to hear my input and thoughts on everything. David was incredible from the first day I met him. Not only is he a great attorney, but he is also a great person who cares about people and finding justice for his clients. He connects to the human side of people. I can’t put into words how much David cares about the individual in a case. When it comes to the courtroom, there is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David.

Jacob – AVVO Review

DUI Defense Client

“Because of Darin I got my daughter back”

Before I hired Darin I went through a total of 3 different attorneys in two different states fighting a jurisdiction battle, when my daughter was taken to a different state. It was a very difficult decision to switch attorneys at one of the most difficult, time sensitive and important times in my case, but I’m very glad I did. Upon receiving my file from previous attorneys Darin came very familiar with my case quickly. Like other people have explained he took the time to lay everything out and explain how the process was going to proceed and what to expect and continued to do this as new issues arrived. He is also very quick at responding to emails and phone calls. My case was getting close to trial as told by my previous attorneys, I did not want to go to trial as I know this is very costly (most attorneys will convince you that you need to.) Darin knew my situation, fought for what was right and got the results I wanted while avoiding a costly trial. He is extremely knowledgeable in the Child Support Guidelines as well. Because of Darin I got my daughter back. I would highly recommend him and would hire again for any future issues. Thanks Darin!

Chris – AVVO Review

Child Custody & Support Client

“I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.”

Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with court. Once cited, the state basically decides that you’re guilty through the automatic suspension of your drivers license. Dave immediately took care of that problem and I never lost the privilege of driving. Dave took notes like crazy and was upfront about our uphill battle. I was also well aware that the plea deal that was given to us, was unacceptable and through Dave’s knowledge and experience I had put my trust in him to guide me to make the right decision on how to proceed. With Dave’s guidance I had decided that we needed to fight for something better than what the prosecutor was offering and Dave was 100 percent behind me on that decision. We knew the risks, be we also knew we had very little to lose based on the prosecutions stance. We decided to go to trial… Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! It was clear to the jury that the prosecution didn’t have their facts straight and were not addressing the facts that they could not address…There was a lot at stake for my personal life and my work life. I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.

Gregory – AVVO Review

Criminal Defense Client

“Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently”

I had an incident and was Given the catch-all charge. There wasn’t really anything I could do by myself to get out of it. Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently to ensure that I would have the best possible outcome from my case. Which he successfully achieved! As of right now I am on the path to having my case fully dismissed. A couple things that really helped me through this process was that Tim did an amazing job at was answering my questions. He was available almost anytime and would respond promptly when he got my emails. He was also very approachable and comforting to be around while we had in person meetings and especially when I was at the court house. I would trust him and the company he works for with any other cases in the future and as of right now they will be my first choice if I need a lawyer in the future.

Dylan – AVVO Review

Criminal Defense Client

“Listens to every request that you make on a case”

I honestly just want to let it be known to any and everyone looking for an attorney on a case. Whether it be DUI, possession, or your every day to day traffic violations where you need representation attorney Tim Hintze is your man. You have to respect a man that listens to every request that you make on a case and he gets in there and gets it done. Tim has my respect as an attorney and being a well-rounded representer. From him being honest on the possibility and options for your case to him being easy to work and communicate with via over the phone or face to face Mr. Hintze is working it out.

Ben – AVVO Review

Criminal Defense Client


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