How to Choose a Family Lawyer

Your Guide to Consultations

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential family law attorneys, it’s time to begin scheduling consultations. A consultation will help you get a feel for who your lawyer is, how his or her practice runs, and what you can expect for your case.

Scheduling Your Consultation

Reach out to the law firms you are interested in by calling their offices or contacting them through their websites. When scheduling your consultation, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Most law firms will offer a free or discounted initial consultation. Find out if you need to bring a form of payment.
• Ask if there is a flat fee for your case type. If not, ask about hourly fees.
• You will need to share basic information about the opposing party so the law firm can run a conflict check and ensure they can represent you.
• Ensure that the lawyer can practice in the area and type of law of your case.
• Schedule your consultation for a day and time when you won't be in a rush or risk running late. 
• Arrange for childcare if you have children. Children aren't usually allowed to join you during the consultation.

Taking these steps will set you up for success during the consultation and may even help you narrow down your options more.

Ready to schedule your consultation? Contact or team at (254) 220-4225.

To make the most of your consultation, you should come prepared. Before your consultation, ask the law firm what you should do to prepare. Most law firms will ask for you to prepare in some of the following ways:

• Come with a list of questions. Pick three questions you would like to prioritize, since initial consultations can go by fast.
• Bring any documents related to your case, such as divorce papers or court orders.
• Ensure that you have a valid form of payment in case you choose to retain services. Checks or debit cards are generally accepted.

It is also a good idea to bring something to take notes about your case and your potential attorney.

Questions to Ask During the Consultation

Consultations can go by fast, so it's always wise to have a list of questions for your potential lawyer compiled beforehand. In addition to questions specific to your case, consider the following questions that can help you get a good feel for who the lawyer is:

What Is Your Experience with Cases Like Mine?

It is always important to ask about a family lawyer’s experience, especially his or her experience dealing with the kind of case you are facing. You need a lawyer who can anticipate the twists and turns your case is likely to take and who is well-versed in the applicable laws.

Do You Have Courtroom Experience?

Family law cases are known for being unpredictable, and your case could easily end up in court, even if everything is going smoothly now. As such, you need to make sure that your prospective attorney is comfortable aggressively defending your rights in a courtroom setting.

Who Will I Be Working with Primarily?

It is important to ask who you will primarily be working with during your case. Often, a firm will have their most impressive attorney hold the consultation when another attorney will actually be working with you.

Asking this question will help you understand if your prospective attorney has enough time to prioritize your case and be by your side throughout the legal proceedings.

What Should I Expect during My Case?

Once you have told your prospective attorney the basics of your case, he or she should be able to give you a rough overview of your case’s timeline. The answer will give you an idea of how your case will proceed, as well as how much experience your prospective lawyer has.

How Will My Case Be Resolved?

If your prospective lawyer promises you a certain resolution to your case, it is time to move on. Family law cases are unpredictable, and a lawyer who makes big promises about a case’s outcome is either inexperienced or overconfident, setting you up for failure in your case.

How Much Will My Case Cost?

Every family law case is unique, so it is difficult to pinpoint a specific price tag for your case. However, a knowledgeable lawyer may be able to give you a ballpark estimate. How your lawyer responds to this question will give you a good idea of how experienced he or she is and whether you can afford his or her services.

What Are the Next Steps?

A skilled lawyer will have a plan on how to move forward and will be able to lay out next steps for your case clearly. When you ask about next steps for your case, it will give you a good idea of your lawyer’s experience and organizational skills.

What to Look For

There are several qualities that make a prospective lawyer stand out from the rest. In your consultation and throughout your research, be on the lookout for these traits:

Integrity

You need a lawyer who is truthful with you. If a lawyer you meet with beats around the bush about what to expect in your case, it’s a problem. You deserve the truth about your case, even if it’s not good news. Instead, look for a lawyer who is honest about the strength of your case and the difficulties ahead.

Compassion

Your family law case will be emotionally challenging. The law isn’t especially compassionate when it comes to these matters, so it’s important to find an attorney who is. Look for signs of kindness and understanding from your potential lawyer, since it is these qualities that will help you make it through the challenging parts of your case.

Time Management

Representing you will take a lot of time, so you need a family lawyer who doesn’t have too many cases on his or her plate. If you don’t get the sense that your case is your lawyer’s first priority, it’s time to move on.

It’s also important to look for a lawyer who works efficiently and values your time. Many lawyers bill by the hour, so efficiency and time management are also likely to save you money in the long run.

Trust and Rapport

You will need to share very sensitive and private information with your lawyer, so it is important to find one you can trust. Your lawyer should do everything possible to make you feel comfortable.

You and your lawyer don’t need to get along, but having good rapport can make a big difference in making your case run more smoothly.

Listening and Communication

Your prospective family lawyer should be a good listener and do his or her best to understand your concerns. It is also important for your lawyer to communicate with you clearly without using confusing legal jargon or being vague about plans.

Organizational Skills

Family law cases involve a lot of paperwork and documentation. As such, your prospective family law attorney and his or her staff need to have good organizational skills and an ability to keep all of the documents straight.

Their organizational skills should also include an ability to plan ahead, create backup plans, and keep a good perspective as the case progresses.

Red Flags

Just as there are positive qualities you should look for in a Texas family lawyer, there are several red flags you should be aware of when searching for legal representation:

• A lawyer who makes bold promises about your case and its outcome
• A lawyer who is distracted or who doesn’t focus on you and your needs
• A lawyer who shares personal information about other clients or cases
• A lawyer who is vague or who leaves you unsure of what to do next
• A lawyer who is aggressive or overbearing in meetings with you
• A lawyer who won’t talk about legal fees
• A lawyer who doesn’t listen to you or communicate well with you
• A lawyer who is often unavailable or who always redirects you to a paralegal or legal assistant
• A lawyer who is unreliable or unprofessional
• A lawyer whom you don’t trust

If you notice any of these red flags when selecting a lawyer, it is a sign that the lawyer in question doesn’t have your case’s best outcome as his or her first priority.

Cost

Cost is a big consideration when selecting an attorney. You don't have to pay top dollar to get a good lawyer, but skimping on this decision may leave you with inexperienced or unprofessional legal representation. 

Here's what to expect when asking potential family lawyers about how much they charge for legal representation.

Fee Structures

Not every lawyer is paid the same, but most use one of the following fee structures:

Retainer

Many lawyers will ask for a retainer (or a large lump sum) to begin legal representation. The retainer is usually several thousand dollars. If the retainer is depleted too much during your case, you may need to replenish it with additional funds.

Flat Fee 

Some law firms charge a flat fee for their services that will cover all of the work that a lawyer does for a case, regardless of how much time it takes. 

If your lawyer charges a flat fee for your case, make sure you know what services are covered. Some costs, like court fees, may not be included. 

Hourly Rate

Some lawyers charge clients by the hour. The hourly rate is determined by the difficulty of the case, the lawyer's experience, the average cost of a lawyer in your area, and other factors.[6] 

No Contingency Plans in Family Law

A contingency is when a lawyer works for a percentage of the award won in your case. Family law attorneys do not work for contingencies. Generally, nothing is awarded in family law cases. The judge will only redistribute assets that the parties already own. As such, there is no award from which lawyers can take a percentage.

Payment Plans

Many law firms will offer payment plans if you ask for them. Bring up your concern during your initial consultation and ask if their fee structure allows payment plans. These arrangements can break up hefty legal fees into smaller, more manageable chunks and allow you to get great legal representation you can afford.

Will My Ex Pay for My Legal Expenses?

Usually, each party is responsible for their own legal fees. However, in certain situations, judges in divorce cases may require one spouse to pay the other's legal fees. 

If you are unable to pay for legal representation, you can ask your potential divorce lawyer if it is likely that the court will assign your legal expenses to your ex. You can also learn more about these situations by reading “Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Texas Divorce?”

Making the Decision

Ultimately, after all of your research, it is up to you to decide on your family lawyer. No one can make this decision for you, but we will share some advice on what to keep in mind when you make your decision.

Rapport

You do not necessarily need to get along with your family law attorney, but if you are trying to decide between two similar candidates, it's worth considering who you got along with better. 

Family law cases are a long road, so it's always encouraging to have someone by your side who makes you feel more comfortable.

Communication

Communication is essential in family law cases. Your family lawyer should be able to explain what to expect in your case and what you will need to do. He or she should also make you feel comfortable sharing sensitive or private information relevant to your case.

You will also need to be able to reach your lawyer or other legal professionals at the firm when needed. Reflect on your experience scheduling a consultation and how the firm employees communicated with you. If a prospective lawyer and his or her firm have a communication style that suits your needs, it’s a green flag.

Costs

Good legal representation is worth spending money on, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank for the best lawyer money can buy. You should consider your financial situation carefully before deciding on your lawyer.

Remember that many family law cases directly impact your financial future, so it isn't wise to skimp either. You may have to pay more for an experienced lawyer who is well-versed in the area of law you need, but going for the least expensive lawyer may mean that your counsel will be inexperienced and unable to protect your financial and parental rights.

That being said, the best lawyer for you is not necessarily the most expensive one. There are many skilled lawyers within your budget, and many firms will offer payment plans and other ways to keep costs down. 

As you make your decision, keep a realistic budget in mind and choose the attorney who best fits your needs within your financial means.

Time Management

The lawyer you choose should have the time necessary to be dedicated to you and your case. This dedication will be reflected in your lawyer’s passion and organization. Choosing a lawyer with a manageable caseload and exemplary time management skills will help ensure that your rights are protected and your case is resolved quicker.

Experience

The importance of experience cannot be overstated. A lawyer who has worked more years and completed more cases has a better understanding of how your case will play out. This understanding allows him or her to guide you through the ups and downs of your case.

Also, consider potential lawyers’ experience working on cases like yours in your area. Experienced lawyers will have an insider’s perspective on how your specific jurisdiction runs, and they will have working relationships with judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals involved in your case.

All of these factors will help your case proceed more smoothly, more efficiently, and with a better chance of success.

Other Bell County Law Firms

While we’d love to help you with your legal matter, we understand that we’re not the perfect fit for everyone. If, after attending a free consultation with one of our attorneys, you’ve decided to look elsewhere for representation, consider one of the following Bell County law firms.

Law Office of Keiko Griffin, PLLC

Attorney Keiko Griffin established the Law Office of Keiko Griffin in 2003. This solo practice serves Killeen, Temple, Round Rock, and Austin. Attorney Griffin focuses on family law cases, especially divorce and child custody. As a military spouse and former social worker, she has personal experience in many specific areas of family law.

The Tisdale Law Firm, PLLC

Attorney Jonathan Tisdale has been practicing law in Bell County for 8 years. His law firm, The Tisdale Law Firm, handles both family law and criminal defense law. Attorney Tisdale holds degrees in finance and economics, which allow him to handle the financial side of your case with skill and experience.

Barina Law Group

Barina Law Group, led by Attorney Bobby Dale Barina, provides legal representation for family law and criminal defense cases in Temple, Texas. Attorney Barina is board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he has written two books on child custody.

The Carlson Law Firm

The Carlson Law Firm has several offices in Texas, including in Killeen, Waco, Temple, and Round Rock. Their team of lawyers handle both family law and criminal defense cases, and have been serving clients since 1976.

The Law Office of Jonathan Tanaka, PLLC

The Law Office of Jonathan Tanaka is located in Harker Heights, Texas. This newly-established solo practice is led by Attorney Jonathan Tanaka, who addresses family law concerns, especially divorce, in Harker Heights, Killeen, and Copperas Cove. 

Dunham and Jones

The Dunham and Jones legal team in Harker Heights is experienced in criminal law, especially DWI cases. Their attorneys focus on getting criminal charges dismissed or reduced, and they have a strong track record of attaining this goal.

Tyroch Boyd, PLLC, Attorneys at Law

Attorneys Melissa Tyroch and Zachary Boyd provide legal services for criminal defense cases and family law cases in Temple, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Attorney Boyd has served in the military, which allows him to provide compassionate service to those seeking a military divorce.

The Law Office of M. Duane Miller

Attorney M. Duane Miller has over 16 years of experience defending clients in criminal cases. His solo practice is located in Belton, Texas, and he also serves Killeen and Temple.

The Law Office of Kyle Watkins

Attorney Kyle Watkins’ practice in Salado, Texas, provides legal services to those facing criminal charges. Attorney Watkins is a former prosecutor with considerable trial experience in criminal cases, and he applies that experience when building a strong defense for his clients.

The Law Office of Gregory K. Simmons, P.C.

The Law Office of Gregory K. Simmons, located in Killeen, Texas, has over 30 years of combined experience in Texas courtrooms. The attorneys at this practice handle both criminal defense and family law cases in Bell County. 

Harris Law Office

Attorneys William Harris and Lane Heginbotham established Harris Law Office in Killeen, Texas. They handle a variety of cases, including family law and criminal defense law, and serve clients in Bell County and Central Texas.

The Law Office of Eric Harron

Attorney Eric Harron has practiced law in Texas for over 15 years. His practice in Temple, Texas, is focused on criminal defense, especially DWI cases and assault cases, and services Bell County and the surrounding areas.

Steve Lee, Attorney at Law

Attorney Steve Lee is a former prosecutor who now runs a private practice in Temple, Texas. He has been practicing criminal defense law for 25 years, serving clients throughout Bell County as they face DWI, theft, drug, and juvenile crime charges.

The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C.

The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C., boast over 25 years of experience guiding clients through criminal defense cases and family law cases. Founding attorney Michael White has handled several high-profile criminal cases in Temple, Texas.

Law Office of Andrew Thompson, PLLC

Founding Attorney Andrew Thompson opened his private practice in 2022 in Belton, Texas. He has practiced law in Texas since 2016 and handles a variety of case types, including family law and military divorce. His own experience in the military helps him understand and navigate the challenges his military clients face.

Law Office of Andrew M. Wolfe

The Law Office of Andrew M. Wolfe, located in Temple, Texas, handles criminal defense cases in Bell County and throughout Texas. Founding Attorney Andrew Wolfe has experience with both prosecution and defense and is a member of several professional associations.

The Law Office of Nancy Perry Eaton, PLLC

The Law Office of Nancy Perry Eaton was founded in 1992 by Attorney Nancy Perry Eaton. Attorney Eaton heads a team of six attorneys that represent clients involved in family law cases. Attorney Eaton’s practice is located in Harker Heights, Texas, and her team serves clients throughout Central Texas.

F. Edward Brown Law Office

Attorney F. Edward Brown handles misdemeanor and felony criminal defense cases in Killeen, Belton, and throughout Bell County. Attorney Brown’s practice is currently located in Belton, Texas, and has been defending clients for 30 years.

Biebas and Riley, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

Attorneys Shannon M. Riley and Kacie Biebas established their practice in Belton, Texas, and provide criminal defense and family law services to clients in Killeen, Temple, and throughout Bell County. 

Blanchard and Thomas, PLLC

Blanchard and Thomas represents clients facing criminal law and family law concerns throughout Texas. At their office in Temple, Texas, Attorney Nora Farah and her legal team meet with clients and help them navigate their legal concerns.