3 Things to Look for in a Family Law Attorney

If you are confronting a divorce, child custody dispute or other family law matter, you may have already decided to look for a Lake County Illinois family law attorney. However, there is no shortage of options. It is important to know what to look for to narrow down your choice of family lawyer. Here are the three most important characteristics to look for in a Lake County Illinois family law attorney.

Knowledge
Family law is a very complex area of the law. While some areas of the law may stay relatively stagnant over time, there are constant changes to this area of the law. For example, in 2019, alimony payments are no longer tax-deductible. In 2018, Illinois changed its calculation of child support to use the income shares model, which considers both parents’ income instead of just the paying parent which was the previous system. In 2016, the state stopped using the terms and principles behind “child custody” and instead adopted “parenting time” and “decision-making authority” principles. As you can see, this is a lot of change to a number of key family laws just within the past few years. It is critical to work with a lawyer who has a strong foundation on Illinois family law but who are also up-to-date on the latest changes in the law so that they can best represent your interests.

Experience
An important characteristic to look for in a Lake County Illinois family lawyer is experience. While general legal experience is helpful, the more time that your lawyer has spent practicing family law, the better. Family law in Illinois can be much nuanced, so it is important that your lawyer has spent a considerable amount of time advancing these types of cases. During your initial consultation, be sure to ask prospective lawyers about their experience, how much time they devote to each practice area and their record of success. Additionally, it is important that your lawyer have trial experience in case it is necessary to litigate the issues. Ask your lawyer about the number of trials they have had and how often they are able to resolve cases outside of court.

A Focus on What Is Best for You
When you retain a Lake County Illinois family lawyer, your lawyer commits to represent you zealously in accordance with the highest ethical standards. This means that he or she must act in your best interest. While some family cases may need to be litigated, other cases can often benefit from out-of-court negotiations or mediation. The goal of your representation should be to achieve your desired outcome in the most effective way possible. Therefore, look for a family lawyer who will focus on your best interests.

Peter Wifler possesses all three of these important characteristics and is ready to help you resolve any family legal issue you are confronting. Schedule a confidential consultation with this experienced Lake County Illinois family law attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.

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