How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Posted on August 30, 2019 by shanelaw2019

When making the decision to file for divorce, one of the main concerns is finances. As a result, the first question couples tend to ask themselves is how much it’s going to cost to hire divorce lawyers. But like the decision to end a marriage, the answer to this question is complicated. There are many variables that influence how much it will cost to have an attorney represent your divorce filing.

Continue reading to learn some facts that might help you better understand what to expect in terms of paying for a divorce lawyer.

The Cost of Divorce

Divorce alone can put a financial stress on a family. So the concern about paying for a lawyer, especially if each spouse is retaining their own counsel, is a common one. The amount of money ultimately spent for a divorce lawyer depends on several factors unique to a client’s case. This means that divorce lawyer costs will vary from client to client. Factors that commonly influence the total cost of a divorce lawyer include, but are not limited to, the law firm’s payment rate business model, your place of residence, the relationship with your spouse, whether or not the divorce is being contested, and more.

For instance, if you are on friendly terms with your spouse, you have no children, nor own any property, a divorce should be relatively quick and inexpensive. In contrast, if you are in contention with your spouse and you have children and shared owned assets, it could take more time and effort to complete a divorce.

Here are Some Facts You Can Rely On

According to forbes.com, the average cost of divorce in the United States is around $15,000, most of which is allocated to legal fees. Keep in mind that this is just the average. After all, the American Psychological Association confirms that virtually 50 percent of marriages in our country result in divorce. Some couples pay as little as $1,000, while others have paid millions.

Attorney fees play a large part in how much you pay for a divorce, but they are not all the same. Divorce lawyers can charge anywhere from $75 an hour to $500 an hour. A lawyer can charge more for more complex and challenging divorces, or less for turn-key divorce solutions. On average, you can expect a divorce lawyer to charge around $250 an hour, but this varies among law firms, and from state to state.

For instance, a divorce lawyer on Rodeo Drive will likely charge more than one in Bowling, Ohio. Furthermore, it is important to know that most lawyers charge in increments of six minutes or less, which means that any simple lawyer-client interaction will cost you money. This includes phone conversations and possibly emails. Always ask your divorce attorney about their billing model to know exactly what and when you will be billed.

Cost-Saving Divorce Alternatives

There are several ways a couple can divorce in a cost-efficient manner. Two popular approaches are collaborative divorce and mediation. See our blog, “The Difference Between Mediation and Collaborative Divorce” to learn more about both options. Also, being more agreeable and making more compromises with your spouse helps make a divorce faster, which in turn makes it cheaper. Talk to your divorce lawyer about payment plan options, and advice on how to budget a divorce expense.

Ask a Trusted Orlando Divorce Lawyer

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a licensed divorce attorney in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.

Shane T. Herbert, Attorney at Law 407-887-7058

The Difference Between Mediation and Collaborative Divorce

Posted on August 27, 2019 by shanelaw2019

In last week’s blog, we discussed the various benefits of divorce mediation, including how it serves as an alternative to divorce court. As assured, in today’s blog we will discuss the difference between divorce mediation and collaborative divorce. Many divorcing couples are confused about these two legal processes, so clarifying some pertinent facts about each divorce option is an important step to making the right choice for terminating your marriage.

Continue reading to learn the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce, including advice on how to choose which route is right for you.

Orlando Collaborative Lawyer 407-887-7058

Divorce Mediation

Mediation is a method used in the dissolution of marriage to negotiate all facets of legally terminating a marriage. Such facets might include money, assets, spousal support, property division, child support, child custody, and more. Normally, mediation involves a group effort that includes each spouse, both of their private divorce attorneys, and a mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party that is hired to discuss, negotiate, and resolve all matters related to a divorce. Your divorce attorney can refer a certified mediator, or you can hire one personally. To learn more about mediation and divorce, review our aforementioned blog, “The Benefits of Divorce Mediation.”

Collaborative Divorce

So how does mediation differ from collaborative divorce? Well, there are many aspects of collaborative law that separate its practices and methods from divorce mediation. Rather than hiring a mediator and two separate divorce lawyers, collaborative divorce is an approach in which divorcing couples hire a solitary collaborative divorce attorney who is specially-trained and experienced in collaborative practice.

Similar to a mediator, a collaborative divorce attorney will work with both couples simultaneously to resolve all aspects of a divorce and reach a settlement agreement. In contrast to a mediator, a collaborative divorce lawyer can also handle all legal processes of divorce as well, and set all agreements and settlements into motion. It is somewhat like hiring a divorce lawyer and mediator in one. Couples who are divorcing amicably or wish to divorce with full cooperation are well-suited for this option.

Where to Get Legal Advice for a Dissolution of Marriage in Florida

Contact Attorney Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned collaborative divorce lawyer in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Posted on August 23, 2019 by shanelaw2019

Divorce is never easy, but there are several strategies that can improve the process for both parties. Once such method is known as divorce mediation, and it has become a popular and successful alternative to divorce court. If you are currently entering into the divorce process, take some time to consider whether or not mediation is a good fit for you and your spouse.

Start by reviewing some of the well-regarded benefits of divorce mediation, below.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a common method of negotiating all aspects of a divorce, including finances, alimony, property division, child support, timesharing, and more. Generally, mediation involves the group effort of both spouses and their respective divorce lawyers, as well as an appointed, neutral third party called a mediator. During mediation, the mediator will sit down with each spouse and their lawyer to discuss, negotiate, and resolve all matters related to the divorce.

Keep in mind that it is not the job of the mediator to make any decisions for either spouse. Instead, they are there to work as a neutral facilitator to the decision-making process. Ultimately, their purpose is to help organize and encourage a mutually-beneficial agreement between both spouses in an effort to avoid divorce court. If you are preparing to divorce, mediation is a wise consideration because there are so many benefits when compared to the conventional divorce court process.

Top Divorce Mediation Advantages:

⚖ Mediation is Cheaper. Mediation is much less expensive compared to the traditional divorce court route. Not only do you evade court costs and most filing fees, you are not subjected to the discretion of the court when it comes time to determine who gets what.

⚖ Mediation is Private. Unlike divorce court that keeps a public record of everything, mediations are confidential. You do not have to worry about anyone looking up the details of your sessions or court hearings.

⚖ Mediation is Personalized. With mediation, you and your spouse are given the opportunity to customize the best arrangement for each of you following a divorce. In divorce court, the rulings are at the discretion of an impersonal judge.

⚖ Mediation Means Control. When you choose mediation for divorce, you and your spouse are in full control of all aspects of the final agreement. In contrast, a court decides your fate in terms of schedule, money, property, children, and more.

⚖ Mediation is a Settlement. Most mediations result in both parties entirely resolving all matters of divorce in the way they think is most fair. Many times, divorce court outcomes leaves a party, or both parties, unsatisfied.

⚖ Mediation is Healing. Mediation tends to create a rapport between couples, which in turn teaches them how to improve or set a standard for communication, post separation. This helps set the tone for future interactions, such as in the case of co-parenting.

Talk to an Orlando Divorce Lawyer

Although mediation has several benefits, it is not always the best fit for all divorcing couples. Before making any decisions regarding spousal separation or divorce, consult with a licensed Orlando divorce lawyer to get professional and personalized advice you can trust.

✨ Stay tuned for our next blog discussing the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce!

Have Questions About Divorce in Florida?

Contact Attorney Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned divorce lawyer in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.

Can I Legally Separate From My Spouse in Florida?

Posted on August 20, 2019 by shanelaw2019

Life is ever-changing, and so are people. When it comes to married couples, the same principal applies. It is common for married spouses to doubt or reevaluate their relationship at some point in a relationship, regardless of how long they have been together. But during times of reconsideration, not all couples are ready or willing to jump straight into a permanent decision like divorce. Instead, many married spouses opt for separation as a more progressive, yet less permanent, alternative to divorce.

If you are considering parting ways from your spouse, it is important to first understand the basics behind separation agreements and legal separation in order to determine whether or not it’s right for you. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about legal separation in Florida, and where to find trusted legal advice for marital and divorce matters.

Divorce Attorney Orlando, Florida 407-887-7058

Legal Separation

Legal separation is an alternative to divorce that results in a married couple living separately from one another while still remaining married under law. This scenario involves creating a legally-binding arrangement or agreement between each spouse that is unique to their relationship. The details and scope of such legal arrangements vary from couple to couple, but all legal separations prohibit either spouse from remarrying or entering into a domestic partnership unless they terminate the marriage legally via divorce or annulment. Other standards commonly set forth in separation agreements might include legal recourses for property division, dating, child custody, spousal support, and similar relationship basics.

The State of Florida

Legal separation is a helpful alternative to divorce because it allows couples more time to determine if divorce it right for them, or if they want to work it out instead. On the other hand, not all states recognize legal documentation or marital separation; and Florida happens to be one of those states. This means that if you and your spouse choose to separate, Florida law will not support any legally-binding arrangement made between the two of you if you decide to divorce down the line. Any type of separation agreement between spouses will not be taken into account when it comes time for the court to rule on child support, alimony, property division, and custody. Other states that do not acknowledge legal documentation of separation include Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Georgia, and Delaware.

Alternatives to Legal Separation

If you are married and reconsidering your relationship, but are not ready to file for divorce, you may still have other legal recourses. Talk to a licensed Florida divorce attorney who can provide trusted advice and guidance on all your family legal matters related to marriage and separation. They have the knowledge and experience to represent the best interests of both you and your family, regardless of your definitive decision.

A Florida Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust

Orlando Family Lawyer 407-887-7058 — Shane T. Herbert Law 407-887-7058

Meet Orlando Family Attorney Shane T. Herbert

Posted on August 16, 2019 by shanelaw2019

If you are wondering where you can find a trusted family lawyer in Orlando, you can finally put your mind to rest! Shane T. Herbert, Attorney at law, is your answer to professional, reliable, and personalized legal representation for your family legal matters in Florida. Continue below to get to know more about Attorney Shane T. Herbert, including his educational and work history, professional memberships, credentials, personal life, and more!

Attorney Shane T. Herbert’s Mission –

“To provide meaningful and helpful legal services for all types of families here in Central Florida.”

School and Work History

Shane T. Herbert graduated with Distinction from Indiana University Bloomington in 2005. Later, he graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2010, where he served as Vice-President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. After passing the Florida Bar and becoming a licensed Florida attorney in 2010, he set out practicing law in Jacksonville at the respected Combs Greene Law Firm, during which time, he served two terms as the President of the Jacksonville Asian American Bar Association and also served on the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Diversity Committee.

In 2015, he relocated to Orlando to pursue his career in marital and family law working alongside the esteemed team at West Family Law Group, which was chosen as a Family Law Tier-1 Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report. Since being in Orlando, he has served two terms as the Treasurer for the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association. In 2019, Shane officially established Shane T. Herbert Law LLC.

Credentials

Attorney Shane T. Herbert is a top-rated family law attorney on Super Lawyers®, has won the Avvo® Client Choice Award multiple years in a Row, has an Avvo® rating of 10 with 39 five-star reviews, and has been practicing marital and family law since 2010. Prior to relocating to Orlando in 2015, he was appointed to Co-Chair the JBA Diversity Committee. More recently, he has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 26th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America his work in Family Law. He was also recently added to the 2019 Rising Star list by Florida Super Lawyers® for the 3rd year in a row.

Personal Life

Aside from being a top family lawyer in Orlando, Shane T. Herbert is a caring husband and father to his family. He and his wife, Jin Chang, are both proud parents to their two lively, joyful boys, as well as, Lifebridge Church members in Windermere, Florida. In his leisure time, Shane and his family enjoy community involvement, especially watching his boys compete in soccer and periodically serving as a volunteer coach for Upward Sports.

Shane T. Herbert Law, LLC

Shane T. Herbert, Attorney at Law, is an Orlando-based, client-focused family law attorney with a deep commitment to providing meaningful and helpful legal services for all types of families here in Central Florida. By using a careful and focused approach, he ensures your legal needs are being met with an unparalleled level of attention and achievement.

His practice areas are all-encompassing, ranging from general family law and arbitration, to prenuptial agreements, annulments, divorce, legal separation, child custody, foreign judgements, emancipation, paternity, adoption, and much more. Regardless of the size or scope of your legal matters, his law firm is fortified with the knowledge, resources, and motivation necessary to deliver the best possible results for case.

How to Get Started

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice regarding your family matters. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our Orlando family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking.

3 Types of Alimony Awarded in Divorce Court

Posted on August 13, 2019 by shanelaw2019

Extending our discussion on facts surrounding the dissolution of marriage, today we will look at the three most common types of alimony awarded in the divorce process. Continue reading to learn more about each type of possible spousal support arrangement, as well as, where to get trusted legal advice in Orlando, Florida regarding your divorce matters.

Understanding Alimony

Alimony is interchangeably referred to by other terms, such as spousal support and spousal maintenance. It is money legally court ordered to be paid to one spouse by the other, generally during or after a divorce, for the purpose of maintaining the standard of living both parties grew accustomed to during the marriage. Who pays the alimony depends on certain factors, which can vary from state to state. Most often, the spouse who earned the most money through the duration of the marriage is the person ordered to pay alimony. However, other factors, such as the primary roles during the marriage, the number of dependents shared, and spousal collaboration, can also affect alimony orders.

There are three common types of alimony that can be awarded by a court order in the process or conclusion of a divorce: temporary alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and permanent alimony.

❶ Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is a type of spousal support arrangement that ordered to be paid for a set, limited amount of time. Often times, temporary alimony is awarded when a divorce causes a spouse financial hardships. The temporary spousal support order allows them to recover financially during the divorce process. The order then expires once the spouse achieves financial stability again. The eligibility and time limits for this type of alimony depends on your state and their particular divorce procedures.

❷ Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is a type of spousal maintenance that is ordered to allow a dependent spouse to go back to school or participate in vocational training in order to get back into the work force after a divorce and eventually become financially independent. Traditionally, this has been common for stay-at-home parents and care givers who did not work throughout the duration of the marriage. Laws governing eligibility and limits for rehabilitative alimony differ among jurisdictions, so it is important to check with your state for accurate information.

❸ Permanent Alimony

A less common, but still possible, type of alimony is permanent alimony. This spousal support arrangement remains in effect until the recipient of the alimony remarries, or until either spouse perishes. However, in some cases, even a remarriage will not void a permanent alimony order. This type of spousal support is often ordered in cases of long-term marriages, or in marriages in which the recipient has a disability that prevents them from working. Commonly, permanent alimony is paid all in one payment, also known as lump sum alimony. Most states will permit a spouse to choose lump sum alimony arrangement, so long as the total amounts to all future payments.

Questions About Alimony and Divorce in Florida?

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to speak with a seasoned family lawyer about getting a divorce in Orlando, Florida. From marriage and divorce, to alimony, child support, child custody, and everything in between, we can navigate all aspects of your family legal matters from start to finish. Our office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within The Offices of Veranda Park, with ample free parking. And for your added convenience, office visits are not required for initial consultations, as we are happy to provide them over the phone or even video conference, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids and Divorce

Posted on August 9, 2019 by shanelaw2019

Earlier this week, we discussed the most common questions family law clients have about Florida divorce statutes, procedures, and more. In today’s blog, as promised, we will discuss some frequently asked questions about divorce when kids are involved. Continue reading to learn some helpful information about getting a divorce in Florida when you have biological or step children.

Orlando Child Support Lawyer 407-887-7058

How Much Child Support Will Be Ordered to Pay?

In Florida, the law requires both parents (or legal guardians) to provide financial support of their child. The amount of money the law mandates parents to contribute will depend on a number of factors unique to your situation, all of which are applied to the child support guidelines set forth by Florida legislature. To calculate child support payments, the uses these two primary factors to make their considerations:

Combined Income (Before Expenses) – If you make $1,000 a month, and your spouse makes $3,000 per month, the state will add your incomes together to develop a combined income of $4,000 per month.

Percentage of Income to Combined Total – The state will then consider what percentage each spouse contributes to the combined income. Using the example of $4,000 combined income, your percentage would be 25%, while your spouse contributes 75%.

Do I Have to Pay Child Support for a Step Child?

Here in Florida, stepparents are not legally required to contribute to the financial support of a stepchild after the dissolution of marriage. This also applies to marriages in which a spouse is paying an ex-spouse child support. Because they are married and have joint finances, they are both technically paying child support to the ex-spouse. But the law will not force a stepparent to do so, nor garnish their wages, unless an adoption occurred. Child support is solely the responsibility of the custodial parents. One exception to this rule involves a legal act called In Loco Parentis, which means a person has legally taken on some parental responsibilities to a stepchild, without actually adopting them.

Can I Change Child Support Orders?

In order to contest or change your current child support obligations, you will need to show the courts that an unanticipated and long-lasting change has occurred to your income or financial needs. Such changes may include job losses or promotions, medical expenses, and similar significant events. Typically, a court will not consider the request unless the change calls for at least 15% modification of monthly child support payments, whether an increase or decrease.

Can I Request Temporary Child Support?

Not only can you go to the courts and petition for temporary child support, you can also petition for alimony, custody, visitation rights, and more. Talk to your family lawyer for information on how to get started.

How Do I Change My Child Custody Agreement?

If you are not happy with the child custody agreement prior to or during your divorce, you can petition for a child custody modification. In order to be granted a modification, you will need to show the court that there is a legitimate reason for the change, such as a significant change in circumstances, whether for you or your spouse. Your Orlando family law attorney will help you facilitate all of these needs.

Can My Ex Move to Another State with Our Child?

If you are a non-custodial parent, and your ex-spouse wishes to move to another state, you are protected under Florida law to a certain extent. You have the right to petition for a child custody modification, as mentioned before, but there is no guarantee that the court will grant your request.

Can I Get Custody of My Step Child?

In the state of Florida, you can only get custody of a stepchild after a divorce if an adoption takes place. Otherwise, a stepparent post-divorce has no legal right to a stepchild. Furthermore, Florida does not recognize any visitation rights of stepparents. So after you divorce, you may not be able to get a court to grant you visitation rights to a stepchild.

A Florida Divorce Law Firm That Can Help

Call the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 for help with your child support and child custody matters in Florida. You can trust our seasoned legal team to meet your family law needs, as our case results speak for themselves. Office visits are not required for initial consultations, as we are happy to provide them over the phone or even video conference, if needed. Contact our Orlando Family Law office at 407-887-7058 to learn what you need to know about resolving or addressing your family legal matters, swiftly and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Florida

Posted on August 5, 2019 by shanelaw2019

Divorce is never guaranteed to be easy on the heart, but it can be easy in terms of convenience and efficacy when you have a seasoned divorce lawyer representing your side. While waiting to have your initial consultation with an attorney, it may help to review some frequently asked questions about getting a divorce in Florida.

Continue below to get started, and to learn where to turn when you need trusted advice regarding marriage, divorce, and all other family legal matters.

Divorce Lawyer Orlando, Florida 407-887-7058

How Do I Get a Divorce in Florida?

In the state of Florida, there are three requirements for getting a divorce. First, you must show proof that the marriage took place. Second, you must prove that you or your spouse were a Florida resident for at least six months before filing for divorce; and third, you must prove that the marriage is in fact, irrevocably and permanently broken.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?

The state of Florida does not require you to have a lawyer represent or facilitate your divorce. However, attempting to divorce without legal representation can result in significant financial losses, child custody rights, and more. Unless both parties fully agree on all matters related to divorce, it is strongly encouraged for both parties to hire a divorce lawyer.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce?

The amount of time it takes to complete a divorce, from the moment it is filed to the moment it is officially in effect, depends on countless factors unique to each case. Mostly, it depends on whether or not the divorce is contested or uncontested. If a divorce is contested, the court will decide on any and all unresolved issues, which can take up to 6 months or longer. If a divorce is uncontested, the process is much faster, and generally resolves within 5 to 6 weeks. Other major contributing factors on divorce timelines include how quickly both parties can come to an agreement on all matters related to the divorce, the traffic of family courts, the skill of your divorce lawyer, and more.

Is Mediation a Good Option for Divorce?

Mediation is a common alternative to negotiating divorce settlements. Both parties and their respective divorce lawyers hire a neutral third-party, or mediator, to help both parties discuss family matters and come to an agreement. Mediation is cheaper, more private, and often times, more amicable type of closure. Best of all, mediation allows both parties to be in control, rather than an impersonal court.

Are Alimony and Spousal Support the Same?

Alimony is the same as spousal support, both of which are also interchangeably referred to as spousal maintenance. There are, however, several different types of alimony, such as temporary alimony, permanent alimony, rehabilitative alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, and durational alimony. Be sure to check back for an upcoming blog discussing the differences among these types of alimony.

How Much Alimony Will Be Ordered?

The amount of alimony you will receive from or pay to your ex-spouse will vary depending on various factors. However, the top contributing factor in calculating how much alimony is to be paid to a spouse is the length of the marriage. The longer a couple was married, the more alimony can be expected. Additional factors might include income sources of both parties, the earning capacity, educational history, skills, and employment capability of each spouse, child support duties, and whether or not adultery was committed. Keep in mind that here in Florida, alimony is not a guarantee, nor does a set schedule or statutorily-defined formula exist for alimony payments when granted by the court.

Can I Request Temporary Alimony?

In most cases, you can request temporary alimony in Florida. However, it does not mean you will be granted any alimony. You would need to go to court directly after filing your divorce petition, and ask for an order of temporary alimony. The court will then compare your needs to your spouse’s ability to pay in order to calculate an affirmative amount of temporary alimony.

✨ Stay tuned for Friday’s blog discussing the frequently asked questions about kids when it comes to divorce, including child support, child custody, guardianship, and more.

Where Can I Get Legal Advice About My Divorce?

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned divorce lawyer in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.

How to Find a Reputable Family Lawyer

Posted on August 2, 2019 by shanelaw2019

There are several family matters that require the assistance or intervention of the law. From marriage and divorce, to child custody, guardianship, and more, virtually all families find themselves in need of a family lawyer at some point in time. If you are currently thinking about hiring a family law attorney for your legal needs, you might be overwhelmed with the vast selection of law firms available in your city. Fortunately, there are some effective methods and strategies you can use to choose the right lawyer for your case.

Continue reading to learn some valuable tips on how to find a reputable and successful family lawyer.

Orlando Family Law Attorney 407-887-7058

Starting Your Search

Naturally, people tend to ask others for referrals and recommendations. And word-of-mouth is an excellent way to find trusted lawyers in your area. An alternative to asking around, you can conduct an online search on your preferred search portal, such as Google, Bing, or Yelp. Particularly, if you are looking for a family law attorney, it is helpful to peruse profiles on Super Lawyers.com or Avvo.com, where various attorneys and their credentials will be available for review.

Lawyer Fees and Other Factors

These search methods are great ways to get you started, and will put you on the right track to locating dependable and capable law firms. Once you have a few law firms in mind, narrow them down by considering additional factors, such as attorney fees, client testimonials, case results, accreditation achievements, memberships, and other significant credentials. Keep in mind that law firm fees and hourly rates differ, but they should be upfront about how much they charge when you ask.

Client Testimonials and Case Results

After you have chosen some law firms from your initial search, continue to narrow down your selection by looking up their online reviews, client testimonials, and past case results. If you cannot find reviews or testimonials for a particular law firm, it is generally not a good sign. It could mean that they remove their reviews because they are unsatisfactory, or they have not been in business long enough to have gained client reviews.

Although reputable and experienced lawyers usually have plenty of client reviews, not all firms advertise their case results; so if you cannot find this type of information, simply ask them directly at your initial consultation. They should be willing to be transparent about their history of success. Once you go through this information, you will gain an idea of how they do business, interact with clients, and more.

Accreditation and Memberships

Additional important factors to consider as a priority when choosing a family lawyer are accreditation achievements and memberships. Although not necessary in various areas of work, it is common for legal professionals to have licenses, certifications, awards, recognition, community involvement, and memberships to related legal organizations and associations. To further narrow down your choices, keep your eyes open for these types of professional credentials.

Or Just Skip the Hassle and Contact Our Trusted Family Law Firm Today!

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned family law attorney in Orlando, Florida. Our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. And for your added convenience, office visits are not required for initial consultations! You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed.