If you are facing the prospect of engaging a lawyer to advise you regarding a family law matter, there are a variety of things you can do to help keep your costs under control. Our accredited specialist Family Law Director from Aylward Game Solicitors Ian Field has many years of experience in running these cases. We asked him what he would do himself if he was instructing a family lawyer for the first time. This is what he shared.
- Don’t delay in speaking to a lawyer – situations change quickly, and understanding what is appropriate and what is not from the start is vital.
- Make sure you have copies of documents like bank statements, tax returns, mortgage balances, trust deeds, etc. They are likely to be needed so get copies from the start. If your lawyer has to keep asking you for copies they will be charging you a fee each time they contact you.
- When you do speak to your lawyer, make some notes before your appointment. Not only will you make sure you get all of your questions answered, but it’s also more efficient for your lawyer – and that keeps your fees down.
- Engage a law firm that will give you an honest opinion about what is realistic as an outcome. Aylward Game has been providing family law advice for many years. They pride themselves on giving realistic and practical advice. If your lawyer just tells you they will fight for what you say you want, be wary. What you want and what you might be able to get are not always the same.
- Don’t wait until the door of the Court or the day before the trial to be prepared to compromise. This happens all the time. If you are prepared to compromise, do so early on.
- If you adopt a position or send a proposal to your ex, think how you would feel if you were receiving that communication. If you wouldn’t like it, maybe it’s worth reconsidering it.
Ian has been an accredited specialist and family lawyer in Qld since 2013. He practiced as a family lawyer in England from 2000 to 2005 and was admitted as a solicitor in Qld in 2007. He has also been an Independent Children’s Lawyer in Australia since 2013.
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Article Source: 6 easy steps to keep your divorce costs
