How to Find the Right Family Law Lawyer in Crestview, FL

All About Family Law in Crestview, FL

Family law refers to a broad range of legal matters that pertain to family-related issues. In the state of Florida, the scope of family law includes divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, spousal support/alimony, guardian ad litem representation, property division, and paternity actions. Most of these legal actions require the involvement of a family law attorney to help resolve them.
In Crestview, FL, family law issues can be handled in two ways . The individual filing the family law action can represent themselves, also known as proceeding "Pro Se," or they may enlist the help of a Crestview, FL family law attorney. Depending on their situation, using the services of a family law attorney is in the best interests and can prove to be extremely beneficial in achieving a positive outcome.
Crestview family law attorneys can practice in a variety of legal areas or focus entirely on family-related issues. It isn’t unusual for family law lawyers to provide both representation in both family law and criminal law matters, particularly in cases involving spousal abuse.

The Importance of Hiring a Family Law Attorney

Unless you are a one-in-a-million kind of person, you probably have little idea where to start when dealing with a family law issue. It could be as simple as setting up a parenting plan after a divorce or responding to a paternity suit. Even the most straightforward family law case is rife with potential for mistakes. Mistakes can cost you time, money, and emotional pain. The benefit of hiring a family law attorney is that you can avoid those missteps.
A good family law lawyer understands Florida statute and case law. They stay up-to-date on recent changes in the law that may apply to your case. They know the difference between a permanent alimony award and a durational award. They know what evidence you have to comply with in order to file a motion to modify or a motion for contempt.
In other words, they know what they’re doing—they know family law. As specific as the statutes and case law may be, each case is unique and requires a level of critical thinking and expertise to reach the desired outcome.
A common mistake in family law cases involves evidentiary issues. Evidentiary issues are rules that dictate what information can and cannot be used during legal proceedings. Something as simple as providing a party’s bank statements during discovery can turn into a full-fledged evidentiary battle when you try to introduce the documents at trial. A family law attorney will have the know-how to navigate those evidentiary issues and get you the end result you want.
They know Florida Statute 61.30, which lays out what the courts in Florida look for in determining child support. If you earn $10,000 per month, but are able to prove that your ex-wife makes $20,000 per month, you might be able to negotiate a lower child support payment—from the standard 50% of the difference of your incomes—to something around 40% or maybe even 30%. A family law attorney will know how to present your income and needs to a judge to get you the best possible outcome.
Family law attorneys also see things before they happen. If you have kids, and you are in the midst of a divorce, your spouse may get upset and withhold visitation. You could rush to court and end up in contempt for just not following the parenting plan. A family law attorney can help you strategize the best way to protect your children and set you up for future success during the divorce or after you’ve got final judgment.

What Makes a Competent Family Law Attorney

The role of a family law attorney is to not only legally represent and guide their clients through a divorce or family law dispute, but also to be a source of information and support for the duration of the legal process. Since this can be a difficult and trying time, finding the right family law attorney is crucial to a positive outcome. Ideally, a family law attorney should possess a few key qualities and qualifications: Being a lawyer does not mean that a person is the right fit for your family law case. Personalities and experience can vary among attorneys. You have to be the one who decides who you trust in your family law case. Experience Having experience in the law firm is a significant requirement for being a great family law attorney. At The Stowe Law Firm PLLC, our attorneys are familiar with the local family and divorce laws and can offer sound legal advice. They are also able to negotiate with the other party’s attorney, gauge their willingness to cooperate and give you guidance throughout the process. Communication The best attorneys are not only great listeners; they are also responsible communicators. When your family law attorney takes your calls or answers your emails in a timely manner, this shows their value for your time and your business. Consider an attorney who communicates in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Knowledge of local laws and judges Having familiarity with the local and county laws, such as the divorce regulations in Crestview, FL, as well as good knowledge of whom you will face in court judge-wise, is a huge plus when choosing an attorney. Judges can vary in their personalities and experiences, so having insider knowledge can give you the confidence you need when preparing for trial. The above list is a good starting point to finding the right family law attorney. Even though it may take an investment of time and energy to secure the right one for you, it is vital to maximize your chances of reaching favorable terms.

How to Select the Right Family Attorney for Your Situation

In your search for the best family law attorney in Crestview, FL, there are some steps you should take to ensure you select the right one for your individual circumstances. While no two family law cases are ever exactly alike, there are some questions every prospective client should ask during their consultation with a family lawyer.
Among the most important questions to ask a prospective family law attorney in Crestview are:
• How much experience do they have in cases like yours? Family law encompasses a wide array of legal matters. Ask a Crestview attorney if their experience is in the type of case you need, whether it’s divorce, child custody or another matter, and how long they have been working on that type of case.
• Have they worked in the county before? It can be helpful to have a family law attorney who is familiar with local rules and procedures. Ask how long the lawyer has been practicing in your area.
• Do they have experience in mediation? Mediation is an important part of many family law cases. It can be helpful if the attorney you meet with has experience helping clients prepare for and participate in the process. Ask how successful the attorney is at resolving cases through mediation.
• How will the attorney communicate with you? Communication is critical during family law cases. It’s important that you get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your case. If an attorney does not communicate well during the consultation , they may not be the right choice for you.
• Do they have experience going to trial? Many family law cases are resolved without trial, but some must go before a judge to settle. Ask what percentage of cases the attorney has taken to trial, how many of those cases have been successful, and if they can discuss the outcome.
• What are their fees? Fee structures vary from attorney to attorney, but the most common ways an attorney is paid are by retainer, flat rate, or hourly. An experienced family law attorney in Crestview, Florida should be able to provide you with an estimate of how much he or she will charge to take care of your case, so you have an idea of what to expect from the finance end of things.

Local Help for Family Law Matters

Local resources for seeking legal help in the most complex family law matters are available in Crestview, FL. With the complicated and often overwhelming nature of family law, there are various local resources available to ensure that you receive the best representation possible. LegalAid of Northwest Florida helps low- and middle-income individuals with their civil matters. Joining the Escambia County Bar Association or the Okaloosa County Bar Association can provide support to attorneys who are looking for like-minded legal professionals. Moreover, the American Bar Association posted a Directory of National Pro Bono Opportunities that includes a list of legal aid programs and pro bono coordinators in each state.

What to Expect at Your First Consultation

In preparation for your initial consultation with our law firm, it is recommended that you gather the following essential documents: proof of income, tax returns, copies of bank statements, insurance policies, wills, and information on your assets in order to better assess the specifics of your situation. Should you not have access to any of these documents, there will be opportunities to get them to our office before the case goes into litigation. It is likely that we will have more questions than the ones outlined below .
Our initial consultation will help you understand the legal situation you are facing. We will go over the law and how it applies to your specific problem. Generally, this session will last about 1.5 hours. During this appointment, we will determine what needs to happen before going to court and we can explain what to expect every step of the way.
This meeting is also your opportunity to interview the attorney and staff, asking the following questions: