| There are many things to look for when it is | | | | should be able to easily pass these requirements. |
| necessary to find a family law specialist. Each of | | | | Once you select a law firm, what should you do |
| the following factors should be evaluated on their | | | | and expect? First is to write down every question |
| own merits and Minnesotans are encouraged to | | | | you can think of to ask during the initial free |
| contact any Minnesota Law Firm, and if | | | | consultation, whether in-person or over the phone. |
| necessary, schedule a free consultation about | | | | Remember, no question is an "inappropriate |
| your immediate needs. | | | | question". Be ready to fully disclose everything to |
| Some factors to consider: | | | | your attorney. Even if it is something you did |
| · Registered with the State of Minnesota - | | | | wrong, your Minnesota Law Firm attorney is |
| Verify on the state Secretary of State website | | | | bound by a strict Code of Ethics and will not |
| · Member of the Minnesota Bar - Verify through | | | | divulge private information that you convey to or |
| the state Bar Association · Member of local or | | | | discuss with them, it is called "client-attorney |
| county bar association - i.e. Minneapolis County Bar | | | | privilege", and neither party is required to divulge |
| Association · Verified case results - get this | | | | these private discussions. If an appearance is |
| from your local Clerk of Court · Specializes in | | | | required, always show up early to meet with your |
| Family Law - Be wary of firms that say they | | | | attorney and discuss any last minute information |
| "handle any legal matter" · Does not require full | | | | or questions before the hearing, even if your |
| payment until case is completed - A retainer fee | | | | consultations have been conducted by phone. |
| may be required · Will conduct a phone | | | | Keep copious notes on everything discussed to |
| consultation - While in-person is best, if you live | | | | ensure all your questions are answered and to |
| out of state this is a must · Will represent you if | | | | check your understanding of the procedures and |
| you live out of state but the case is related to | | | | points of law. |
| Minnesota · Will refer you to another attorney or | | | | Finding a good family law firm in Minnesota is |
| firm if the issue requires a different law specialist | | | | made a little easier by following the steps outlined |
| · If you already know an attorney, but they do | | | | above and ensuring each point is answered to |
| not specialize in family law, ask them to refer you | | | | your satisfaction. Especially in big cities like |
| to someone they trust as a reputable Minnesota | | | | Minneapolis, there may be hundreds of attorney's |
| Law Firm | | | | listed in the phone book or on a website and the |
| These are the main factors to consider when | | | | many search engines on the Internet. |
| finding a family law firm and any firm in any state | | | | |