When we enter a relationship, we don’t like to think about what may happen. However, a family lawyer on the Gold Coast can help make separate, divorce and the matters caused by them a simpler, more stress-free process.
If you’re in the stages of looking for a family lawyer, you’ll be able to find some tips below to help you find the right one for you and your family. You’ll even find a way to pull up a list of family lawyers on the Gold Coast, including reviews for them, their services and more.
What is a family lawyer on the Gold Coast?
“Australia’s family law system helps people resolve the legal aspects of family relationship issues, including family relationship breakdown.” — Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department
A family lawyer can help represent and guide you in matters of family law, including taking matters to family law court. Family law matters include:
- Separation and divorce.
- Parenting arrangement disputes.
- Property settlements and other financial issues following separation or divorce.
How much does a family lawyer on the Gold Coast cost?
Family lawyers on the Gold Coast generally work out their fees by the hour. The length and complexity of the case as well as the lawyer you choose will affect how much your legal fees cost.
A family lawyer may cost anywhere from $300 to $400 as a base rate. Some legal practices may offer a no-win, no-fee option, but this is not available for all family law matters under s.323(2) of the Legal Profession Act 2007.
There are also fees associated with family law matters such as filing for divorce, financial reports for parenting, nullifying a marriage, court event fees, court order fees and more. To receive an as accurate-as-possible estimate from a law practice, be upfront with details of your case and provide any requested information as soon as possible.
How to Choose a Good Family Lawyer on the Gold Coast
1. Look online and read reviews.
The first step to choosing a good family lawyer on the Gold Coast is to find a list of lawyers. Online directories like localsearch.com.au can show you a list of family lawyers on the Coast, as well as their services, reviews and contact methods.
As well as reading reviews, have a look on their website and see if they have any case studies of client cases they have handled, blogs on tips, etc. This will help you get a feel for what they may be like.
You’ll want to start looking as early into the matter as possible as leaving it could increase costs if things were to escalate.
Once you have a list of lawyers and have read reviews, make a short list of legal practices to interview.
2. Interview your shortlist of Gold Coast lawyers.
When interviewing family lawyers on the Gold Coast, you’ll want to ask:
- Do you have experience with a case like mine? What outcomes have you been able to achieve for these?
- How long does it take for you to answer calls and emails? Do I have direct contact with you?
- Will anyone else be working on my case?
- How do you charge clients, and can you give me an estimate?
- What will the process working with you on my case look like?
- Am I being unreasonable in my expectations for the case?
- At this point, can you foresee any problems with the case?
- Is there anything that may happen that will alter how much my matter costs?
3. Meet with your chosen family lawyer face-to-face before hiring.
You’re going to be working with your Gold Coast family lawyer on some extremely personal matters for some time, so it’s important you get along. You want someone who will tell you when you’re being unreasonable and be firm and clear, but who understands your emotional needs too.
Before hiring your family lawyer, meet with them and anyone else who you will be associating with during your case face-to-face. This will give you a chance to register any red flags, such as them discussing confidential information from other cases, their attitude, not answering calls or emails and more.
4. Make your final decision.
The estimated cost of the lawyer should not dictate who you use. You want to be comfortable with them and confident in their abilities.
If you’ve already had issues with them responding to emails and calls, it could be an early sign of future problems. As could any conflicts between you in the interview stages.
Once you have chosen your lawyer and they have accepted your case, keep communication open and honest. As your Gold Coast family lawyer will with you, let them know of any changes in your matter as anything can impact outcomes.
To make your life easier, search for a family lawyer near you below!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice or consider your personal circumstances. Localsearch nor the author are liable for any misuse of any information in this article. Please consult your legal professional for specific information to you.
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