Family Law is my main specialty. It’s a type of law that can get very emotional and intricate, especially when there are children involved. I think that the relationship you build with your lawyer needs to be strong in order for you to be properly supported. I also think that too many of us get into an agreement with lawyers who are not suited for their particular case, situation or circumstance and it can cause additional and unnecessary stress.
If you’ve found yourself working with a lawyer, or are about to hire a lawyer and you feel like something may be off, read the list below of RED FLAGs.
Ways to know you’ve hired the wrong lawyer
1. Your lawyer suggests taking things to the opposite extreme. For example, if you want to text your ex or send emails to them, but your lawyer says all communication has to go through them, that’s a red flag.
2. You want to keep things amicable but your lawyer is amplifying the conflict, that’s a red flag.
3. When what you want and what they are suggesting is different. You should never feel like you are in a tug of war with your lawyer.
4. There should not be a pressure to sign a retainer. If you feel like they are saying take it or leave it, or pressuring you by using unnecessary urgency, that's a red flag.
5. Assess whether their values align with yours. When you have your initial consultation, are they listening, and do you feel like they understand you and agree with your point of view? If not, and your values aren’t aligning, that’s a red flag.
I have heard horror stories, and I feel as though it is individuals who have never hired a lawyer before who think this is what it's like to have a lawyer. But it's not.
I recommend taking the time to find a good fit. You won’t regret it. If you are looking for a lawyer in Niagara Falls, ON, check out my firm, and let us know if we can help.
Lauren M. Angle Lawyer, Founder Angle Law
905-322-1350