Need a Family Lawyer? Here’s How to Find the Best Fit and Prepare for Your First Meeting

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Finding the right family lawyer is a big step. Whether you’re going through a separation, divorce, or custody dispute, choosing the wrong lawyer can cost you time, money, and emotional energy you just don’t have to spare. The process of hiring a lawyer can feel overwhelming—where do you even begin? And once you do book that first meeting, how do you make sure you get real value out of it rather than leaving with more questions than answers?

If you’re at this stage in your family law journey, you’re likely asking yourself three key questions:

1️⃣ How do I find a lawyer who’s the best fit for me?
2️⃣ How can I prepare for my first meeting to get the most out of it?
3️⃣ What should I expect from that initial consultation?

In this episode of That Was So Real I walk you through everything you need to know about finding the right lawyer, getting the most value from your first meeting, and making informed choices that save you time, money, and stress. Let’s dive in.

How to Find a Lawyer Who’s the Best Fit for You

The first step in this process is finding the right lawyer, but let’s be real—it’s not as easy as doing a quick Google search and calling the first person who pops up. Not all lawyers are the same, and you want someone who truly fits your needs and approach to resolving your case.

Start with Referrals, But Don’t Stop There

One of the most common ways people find a lawyer is through word of mouth. Maybe a friend, family member, or coworker had a great experience with a lawyer and tells you to call them first. Or maybe a professional you trust—like a financial advisor or social worker—suggests someone they’ve worked with before.

Referrals are a great starting point, but they aren’t everything. Just because a lawyer was the perfect match for someone else doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for you. Every separation and divorce is unique, and the lawyer who got your friend a “killer settlement” might not be the best option if your priority is reaching an amicable agreement.

Know What You Need in a Lawyer

Before you start calling around, take a step back and think about what you actually need and expect from a lawyer. Ask yourself:

• How soon do I need legal help? If your ex just served you with court documents, you’ll need someone who can take your case quickly. If you’re still weighing your options, you might have more time to research.

• Do I need a barrister or solicitor? Some lawyers focus on negotiating settlements and drafting agreements, while others spend more time in court. If your case is likely to end up in litigation, you’ll want a lawyer who is experienced in family court.

• What’s my budget? Legal fees can vary widely based on a lawyer’s experience, location, and approach. Junior lawyers often have lower hourly rates and might work closely with senior lawyers for guidance.

What kind of lawyer-client relationship do I want? Do you prefer a lawyer who is formal and traditional, or someone with a more approachable and conversational style? The dynamic between you and your lawyer matters because you’ll be working closely together.

Do Your Research & Look Beyond the Website

Once you have a few names, it’s time to do some research. Start by checking out their website and bio—this will give you a sense of their background, areas of practice, and personal approach. But don’t stop there!

If you’re in British Columbia, you can check the Law Society Tribunal website to see if a lawyer has any past disciplinary actions. You can also search CanLII to see if they’ve been involved in reported court cases, though not all cases make it onto the site.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. If a lawyer’s website doesn’t resonate with you, or you feel uneasy after reading their bio, keep looking.

Make the Call & Ask the Right Questions

Before booking a meeting, call the law firm and ask:

• Is this lawyer taking new clients, and what’s their availability?

• Can you check my name and my ex’s name for conflicts of interest? (This ensures the lawyer hasn’t already met with your ex, which would prevent them from representing you.)

• Do you charge for the first meeting, and if so, how much?

These questions save you time and hassle before filling out any intake forms.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting & Save Money

Once you’ve booked a consultation, your next goal is getting the most value out of it. You’re paying for this time (unless the lawyer offers free initial consultations), so you want to be prepared.

Fill Out Any Intake Forms in Advance

Most lawyers will send you a questionnaire before your first meeting. It might seem tedious, but filling it out thoroughly saves you money. The more background information you provide in advance, the less time your lawyer needs to spend asking for basic details.

Gather Key Documents

To make the meeting productive, bring relevant documents, such as:

• Basic personal information (you, your ex, and your children)

• Recent pay stubs and tax returns

• A list of shared assets and debts

• Any agreements you already have (like a prenup or cohabitation agreement)

To make this easier, I’ve created a free Separation Checklist— click here or grab it in the Resources section below!

Write Down Your Questions & Goals

Before the meeting, make a list of key questions you want answered. Common ones include:

• How long does the process typically take?

• What are my legal options based on my situation?

• What should I do next if I want to move forward?

Having these questions written down will help keep the conversation focused.

What to Expect from Your First Meeting

At the meeting, expect to:

1. Discuss your situation – The lawyer will ask about your separation, financial situation, and any immediate concerns.

2. Get an overview of your legal options – They’ll explain possible next steps and what you can expect moving forward.

3. Talk about fees and timelines – Make sure you understand the lawyer’s hourly rate, payment structure, and expected costs.

If you don’t feel like the lawyer is the right fit, you don’t have to sign anything that day. Take time to think before making a decision.

Resources & Free Separation Checklist

📌 Separation Checklist – A free guide to help you gather everything you need before meeting with a lawyer. Download it here!

📌 Law Society of BC Tribunal – Check for disciplinary actions against BC lawyers: lsbctribunal.ca

📌 CanLII Case Search – Look up publicly available court decisions: canlii.org

📌 Legal Aid BC – Support for lower-income individuals needing legal help: legalaid.bc.ca

There you have it!

I hope you are leaving here with all you need to know about finding a lawyer who’s the best fit for you, and how to save yourself time and money in the process!

As always, before you go, I have one very important question for you? Are you ready to hit reset?

If so, tune into the episode for a deeper discussion and don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss out on the upcoming episodes. On the next episode, we will be discussing FINANCES! That’s right, join me to hear from our next special guest who will tell you all about the types of things you need to keep in mind when making financial decisions during separation and divorce that will impact your financial wellbeing going forward.

Let’s build a life that aligns with your true goals and values. Can’t wait to see you next time!

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