Picking the right attorney is tough. Here's some questions to help you decide.

1. How long have you been in practice? What percentage of your practice is family law? Are you a Certified Family Law Specialist?
2. Do you prefer to negotiate and settle or fight it out in court? Would you consider using mediation?
3. Will you be doing the work yourself? If not, who will?
4. How much is the retainer? Is it refundable? How does it work?
5. What are your hourly rates? What about court time? What other costs are included? What is your estimate of the approximate overall cost of this case?
6. Will you send me itemized bills on a monthly basis including detail of time spent on the case?
7. Is there a payment schedule? What is it?
8. Do you carry malpractice insurance? How much?
9. Will you agree to mediate/arbitrate any disputes about case management or fees as they may arise between us?
10. What do you expect of me?