Second Opinion

Your future financial and emotional wellbeing

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How Do I Find a Good Family Lawyer?

Your future wellbeing and that of your children is too important to be left in the hands of just anyone.

While medical diagnoses are often very black and white, your family law matter is less defined. Of course there are certain realities in a family law matter and any lawyer can provide advice on those things, but the real value comes from understanding all of the grey areas involved in family law, those that are unique to your family situation, and where it is you want to end up from here.

A second opinion isn’t right for everyone and we certainly don’t advocate leaving your current lawyer and going “lawyer shopping” by any means. Rather, we sagely suggest that you consider whether a second opinion would be helpful in your situation or would make you feel more comfortable with the path you are on.

A good chunk of the people that we see for an initial appointment don’t go on to engage us as their family lawyers. In fact, some of them don’t even separate. These are people just like you, who aren’t quite sure how this all works and are simply seeking advice and opinions on the pathways and options available at to them this time or into the future.

We can offer a fixed-fee, no-obligation initial appointment with an expert family lawyer to provide you with advice on your situation and option, or to review your current family law matter and offer a second legal opinion.

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What Should I Look For in a Family Lawyer?

Expertise

The complexity of family law demands specialisation and experience.

Communication

An exceptional capacity to communicate is crucial. Your family lawyer should be making the complex more understandable.

Honesty

You need to know the good, the bad. and the ugly up front. A good family lawyer won’t tell you only what you want to hear.

Expectation

It is reasonable to want to know what to expect and to hold your solicitor to that standard and advice.

Respected in their Field

It’s important that your solicitor has the respect of the Court and of their colleagues. It makes a material difference.

Genuine Rapport

You’re trusting your most intimate of details and your future with this person.

Availability

A good family lawyer won’t leave you twiddling your thumbs and waiting days for a response. You should always know what your next steps are and have someone available for the burning questions that may arise.

Value

This is hard to measure, but given the often significant cost of legal advice and representation, it’s important that you feel in control of your legal fees and that you are achieving a positive outcome.

Pragmatism

It is futile to win the battle, but lose the war. Incurring disproportionate legal fees to what you stand to achieve is a poor outcome.

Tough Love

Beware the solicitor that actively intensifies your feelings of anger. A good lawyer will challenge you to reduce conflict with your former partner if possible and will make you acutely aware of the long term implications of maintaining any negative emotion.

Best Wilson Buckley is one of the largest specialist family law firms in Queensland, with a large number of expert family lawyers working across various locations.

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Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

It may not be the opinion or advice that you’re not sure about. Perhaps it could be that you need to find a family lawyer that is a better personal “fit” for you and your situation and that is alright as well.

Your family lawyer will become a huge part of your life for a period of time and you need to make sure that they are the right person for you. Your best friend’s cousin’s neighbour may have liked a certain approach and it worked out well for them, but that doesn’t mean it is right for you or your particular family situation.

You may also be thinking, “I don’t need to like my family lawyer, I’m paying them to do a job for me”, and you would be quite right. We’re not suggesting that you necessarily have to like your family lawyer or start putting them on your Christmas card list for years to come. However, you do need to be sure that they are the best person for that job you’re paying for and for your future security.

If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your family law journey or want to obtain a second legal opinion, make an appointment to speak with one of our expert family lawyers and have your pick from one of the largest specialist family law teams in Queensland.

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