How to Find a Family Law Attorney This Week

You Need a Specialist

Family law is its own world. You need an attorney who lives in that world — not a general practitioner who "also does" custody cases. Here's how to find the right one fast.

Where to Search

Start with these directories today:

• Avvo: Search by location, read reviews from actual clients, check ratings. Filter for "Family Law" and your city.
• Martindale-Hubbell: The oldest attorney rating system in the country. Peer-reviewed ratings tell you what other lawyers think of them.
• LawHelp.org: If you qualify for free legal aid, this is where to start. Find your state, click "Family," and see what's available.
• ABA Free Legal Answers: Submit your legal question for free and get an answer from a licensed attorney.

State Bar Referral Services

Every state bar association runs a lawyer referral service. These are vetted attorneys who've agreed to offer initial consultations (often at reduced rates):

• California: CA Bar Referral
• Texas: TX Bar Referral
• Florida: FL Bar Referral
• Ohio: OH Bar Referral
• New York: NY Bar Referral

For other states, search [your state] bar association lawyer referral service.

What to Ask in the Consultation

Most attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation (30–60 minutes). Use this time wisely. Ask:

1. How much of your practice is family law? You want at least 75%.
2. How many custody cases have you handled this year? Experience matters.
3. What's your strategy approach? Are they aggressive, collaborative, or adaptive? None is wrong — it depends on your case.
4. How do you communicate with clients? Email? Phone? Portal? How quickly do you respond?
5. What's your retainer and hourly rate? Get the full picture upfront.
6. Do you offer payment plans? Many do.
7. What do you think of my case? A good attorney will be honest, not just tell you what you want to hear.

Understanding the Costs

• Retainer: $2,500–$10,000 upfront (this is a deposit against future work)
• Hourly rate: $150–$500/hour depending on region and experience
• Total contested case: $10,000–$50,000+ for a case that goes to trial
• Uncontested/agreed: $1,500–$5,000 if both parties agree on terms

Red Flags in an Attorney

• Guarantees outcomes: No attorney can guarantee what a judge will do.
• Pressures you to sign immediately: A good attorney gives you space to decide.
• Badmouths opposing counsel: Unprofessional behavior in the office means unprofessional behavior in court.
• Can't explain their fee structure clearly: If they're vague about money now, your bills will be confusing later.
• Doesn't listen to your goals: They should ask what you want before telling you what to do.

If You Can't Afford an Attorney

• Legal Aid: LawHelp.org and Legal Services Corporation — free legal help for qualifying individuals
• Modest Means Programs: Many state bars offer reduced-fee panels. Search [your state] bar modest means program.
• Law School Clinics: Local law schools often run free family law clinics.
• Unbundled Services: Some attorneys will handle specific parts of your case (like drafting a response) at a flat fee while you handle the rest.
• ABA Free Legal Answers: Free legal Q&A for qualifying individuals.

Next Steps

1. Search Avvo and your state bar referral service today
2. Schedule consultations with at least 3 attorneys
3. Bring your court papers and a list of questions to each meeting
4. Make your decision based on experience, communication style, and cost
5. Retain your attorney BEFORE your response deadline