Facing any type of legal case can be incredibly daunting, especially when your case pertains to family law and your future and the future of your family depends on the outcome. Solid legal counsel that you can trust is your best asset in this situation, but finding the right attorney can itself be an incredible challenge if you do not know how to determine which attorney would be best suited to your case.

When you need a family law attorney in Columbia, MO,  it’s vital to know how to locate the best candidates for legal representation in your area, as well as the questions you should ask a potential attorney to gauge their suitability as your legal counsel.

Why Do I Need Legal Counsel?

Many people, unfortunately, overlook the importance of reliable legal representation in family law. It is a common misconception that representing yourself in a legal case will save you money on legal fees. However, no matter what type of family law matter you are currently facing, our firm can help. Whether it is a seemingly straightforward divorce case, a child custody determination, adoption proceedings, or probate, you stand to lose much more than the cost of legal fees if you decide to forego legal representation.

No matter how simple and straightforward you believe your case to be, the reality is that any legal matter can very quickly turn into a complicated litigation battle when you do not have a reliable attorney on your side. Hiring legal counsel is the best way to protect the interests of you and your family.

Researching Potential Attorneys

Your first step in securing legal representation for a family law case is narrowing down your list of potential attorneys based on online reviews and personal recommendations from friends and family. After creating a list of several potential attorneys, start thinking of the questions that can help you understand your legal situation more clearly and the value that proper legal representation can provide to your case.

Interviewing a Family Law Attorney

When you meet with a potential attorney for the first time, this is just as much an opportunity for you to interview them as it is for the attorney and their team to interview you. Consider asking the following questions to gain a better understanding of how the attorney can potentially help your case:

  • “How much experience do you have with family law?” You would not want an attorney who specializes in car accident claims to represent you in a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you need legal representation for a family law matter, choose an attorney who has significant experience in family law. Ask the attorney how long they have practiced law, how long they have practiced family law during their professional career, and find out whether they have any areas of special interest.
  • “How much do you expect this case to cost me?” Legal fees are notoriously expensive, and some attorneys bill their services by the hour. A good attorney should provide a clear breakdown of their billing practices and explain how long they expect your case to take before it concludes. This information should help you estimate the overall cost of representing your case.
  • “How often can I expect updates on my case?” Quality legal representation is responsive legal representation. Remember, some legal cases can take weeks or even months before new things unfold, so it is not unusual for your attorney to handle other cases in the interim. However, a good attorney will be certain to make time to update their clients in a timely manner. Your family law attorney should clearly explain how you can get in touch with them and how often they expect to see updates in your case.
  • “Do you notice anything unique or strange about my case?” Your Columbia, MO family law attorney should be very clear in explaining whether there are any legal challenges or opportunities present in your case and help you understand their potential impacts on the legal proceedings before you. For example, you may think that your divorce is relatively straightforward, but an attorney may notice a serious tax-related issue that you did not notice on your own.
  • “What is your interpretation of my legal position?” One of the best things to ask of a potential family law attorney is their honest interpretation of your legal position. A good honest will be honest and clear as they explain what they think of your case, how specific elements of the case relate to federal and state laws, and what they expect to unfold if they are willing to represent you.


Be sure to ask these questions during an initial consultation with a potential attorney to gain the clearest understanding of the value a potential attorney could provide to your case. It’s natural to feel pressed for time when you are heading into a family law case and need to find an attorney quickly, but the time and effort you dedicate to locating the right attorney to represent you will be well worth the effort.

How Your Family Law Attorney Can Support Your Case

Your Columbia, MO family law attorney will not only strengthen your legal position and help you identify evidence and supporting materials that can assist in your case but also ensure no procedural or administrative issues interfere with your proceedings, such as an incorrect or incomplete form submitted to the court or a late filing.

Another way your Columbia, MO family lawyer can assist you is by connecting you with incredibly valuable resources like expert witnesses and support services. Experts such as medical professionals, forensic accountants, and data analysts can be incredibly supportive in a complex family law matter such as disputed probate, high net worth divorce, or child custody determinations. Support services for the victims of fraud and domestic abuse can also provide welcome relief as victims handle their legal affairs.

Ultimately, hiring a reliable and experienced Columbia, MO family law attorney to represent you is a major decision – one that requires research and careful attention to detail. Take advantage of free or discounted consultation offers from the most reputable family law attorneys in Columbia, MO to make the most informed decision possible about your legal representation.