Whether you’ve been married for a relatively short time or you’ve spent a lifetime together, figuring out how to divide marital assets in a divorce can be incredibly stressful.

When you hire a family lawyer to guide you through this process, you want to feel confident your attorney is going to do everything reasonably possible to ensure a fair outcome to protect your financial position and customary lifestyle.

Before deciding to hire a family lawyer, it can be prudent to ask several questions to confirm that they’re a good fit for your precise situation. This article outlines 5 key questions to start with.

5 Basic Questions To Ask a Family Lawyer

It’s not unusual for divorce settlement and property division talks to be unfairly uneven, with one party having a distinct bargaining advantage over another. At Pier Law and Mediation, we believe a fair settlement should always be the ultimate goal.

Whether you ultimately choose us or another firm, it’s recommended that you ask these starter questions.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have With Property Division Cases?

Generally speaking, the more experience a lawyer has, the better. While no two cases are exactly the same, patterns likely emerge over time that equip a family lawyer later with a robust mental framework to handle challenges and complexities that come their way.

If there is something unique about your case, such as having a high-net-worth estate, business ventures, or complex financial situations, it can be helpful to inquire whether the lawyer has experience in these specific areas.

2. What Is Your Typical Approach to Property Division?

Just as every divorce is unique, so is every law firm’s approach. While British Columbia’s property division laws are governed by the Family Law Act, which is consistent with community property as opposed to equitable distribution, there are still several ways to classify what is community and separate property.

It’s important to discuss how you’d like your lawyer to approach the situation, especially in terms of maintaining your spousal rights. Some law firms favor reaching fair settlements through respectful and transparent negotiations, while others prefer litigation.  

3. How Much Does This Cost?

While the monetary price tag shouldn’t necessarily be the primary concern when choosing an appropriate law firm, it should still be a consideration. Being cognizant of the financial aspects now can help avoid sticker shock later. Ask about the overall fee structure, including hourly rates, retainers, and any additional costs that may eventually be tallied.

4. What Should (or Can) I Expect in Terms of Communication?

Communication is especially key, particularly when going through a gut-wrenching divorce. It’s completely normal to expect consistent communication; however, each law firm has its own approach to communication frequency, style, and methodologies. For example, some law firms prioritize in-person meetings, while others prefer email as a communication default.

If you have a distinct preference about how you’d like communication to be handled, it’s wise to confirm that your needs will be adequately met.  

5. What Is Your Past Success Rate With Property Division Cases?

While past success is no guarantee of a positive outcome, if a law firm has a successful track record with cases similar to yours, it can help you feel more confident about the merits of your case. Don’t be afraid to ask about the results of cases similar to yours and what made those cases successful or unsuccessful.

Contact an Experienced BC Family Lawyer

At Pier Law & Mediation, we understand the difficult time you’re going through and, we want to help. You don’t have to go down this path alone. We invite you to call us by phone at (604) 900-7158 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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