There are a lot of factors that are likely to impact your divorce outcome in CA. Some of these are not always under your control, but one of the biggest factors that is under your control is the specific attorney or legal counsel that you choose to represent you in your case. 

That said, shopping for an attorney is not a regular, everyday thing and most people wouldn’t know where to start. Like in any profession, there is a wide range of skillsets and levels of professionalism. You don’t want to get stuck with someone who might be negligent or incompetent, or even more simply someone who might be too busy to give your case the attention it deserves. 

So what are some things to look out for when interviewing with potential attorneys? Here are some notable red flags that you should be on the lookout for.

Bad Communication Habits

Communication skills are foundational in any aspect of the legal profession, and an attorney with poor communication skills is likely going to produce a poor performance. Ask yourself the following when speaking to your attorney: Does what he/she say make sense? Is the legal strategy or approach comprehensible? Do you have trouble getting ahold of them, or are they bad at getting back to your emails? 

Behavior That Seems Unprofessional or Rude

Many attorneys act assertively and decisively, but some may blur the line between confidence and rudeness. If you feel like your attorney is rude or disrespectful in any way, this is a giant red flag. Do they listen to you, or does it seem like they are not interested in your concerns or opinions because they “know better?” Respect for every client and basic customer service skills should be a part of every interaction between a legal professional and said client. 

Lack of Experience in Specific Family Case Law

Even if your attorney is polite and responsive, make sure that you engage in due diligence and confirm that he or she is familiar with specific areas of the law that are relevant to your case. To find out more about this, it’s usually a good idea to ask your attorney about their legal practice history and inquire about how many similar or related cases they may have previously worked on. Your attorney needs to wield the right tools for the job, and they should be able to demonstrate this in their legal strategy and general counsel to you. 

Obscure or Unclear Billing Procedures

Trust is a key factor in the attorney-client dynamic, and this applies to every aspect of the relationship. A trustworthy attorney will always be direct when it comes to their billing practices and procedures. Be on the lookout for unclear or vague billing statements as well as any unexpected or surprise charges that your attorney may have never disclosed to you. These are giant red flags that suggest he/she does not have your best interests as a priority.

Count on Our Trusted and Experienced Divorce Attorneys

These are just some of the things you should be on the lookout for when seeking legal assistance on all matters relating to family law in CA. If you want to learn more about how our trusted attorneys at the White Oak Law can help, know that we are a quick call away. 

Reach us at 925-271-0999 today to speak with your family law experts today!