Lawyers
Lawyers are trained to guide you through the legal process and offer legal expertise. A lawyer can explain the legal issues and how the law applies to your situation. This will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Hiring a lawyer may be expensive, but it can also save you time and money.
Role of Lawyers
Lawyers are highly trained and skilled professionals who can:
- explain the law to you
- provide information about settling your dispute without going to court
- protect your legal rights
- tell you the strengths and weaknesses of your case
- advise you how a judge might apply the law to the facts of your case
- represent you in legal matters
- write legal letters for you
- negotiate a settlement
- complete and file court forms
Do I Need a Lawyer?
No. You do not have to have a lawyer if you are getting a separation or divorce. You can represent yourself for as much or as little of the process as you want. Keep in mind that representing yourself does not mean that the court will relax the rules for you. Even as a self-represented litigant, you will be expected to have an understanding of the rules, procedures, and decorum of the court.
A good source of information and advice in a family law matter is a lawyer. Lawyers can help you understand the complex issues that are involved in your case and how best to tackle them.
Paying for a Lawyer
If you decide to hire a lawyer, it is very important to talk to your lawyer about the cost involved and how you will pay your lawyer’s fee.
If you are paying a lawyer for legal services, you can discuss ways to pay your bill. Most lawyers ask you to pay up front (often called a retainer fee) and use that money for their legal fees as they provide services. If there is money left over that will be returned to you. If the money runs out the lawyer will start charging you directly for their costs. You should always discuss payment options with your lawyer before he or she starts your legal work.
Unbundled legal services
Lawyer’s Tips
You can help your lawyer a great deal by being organized – put your documents in a logical order, keep a file or binder of your documents, and write a brief summary of the important facts in your case.
Resources
- For help finding a lawyer see Lawyer Referral Service.
- Other Resources: Collaborative Divorce Vancouver, Family Duty Counsel, Access Pro Bono
Getting Ready to Meet a Lawyer
Your first meeting with a lawyer is an important step in dealing with your legal dispute. In addition to giving you a chance to meet each other, you can also learn a lot about your legal dispute, and what the result is likely to be.
What your lawyer will want to know
- Basic Information: Your lawyer will want to know your situation and the reason that you decided to consult him or her.
- All relevant information: It is very important to tell your lawyer everything that is related to your dispute, not just the information that supports your side of the story. It is sometimes difficult to know what is relevant and what is not, but your lawyer will help you sort this out.
- The Truth: It is important to tell your lawyer the truth so they can advise you properly. Remember what you say to your lawyer remains confidential.
- Documents: You must also disclose all relevant documents to your lawyer. Take a file of documents to your appointment containing such things as letters, court documents, receipts, invoices, and agreements.
Lawyer’s Tips
It helps to give your lawyer a brief summary of what happened in your dispute, noting the dates that certain events happened (e.g when you were married, children were born, bought a home, etc).
Things you will want to know from your lawyer
It is a good idea to write down questions you want to ask your lawyer. You should also ask about other ways to resolve your dispute without going to court, like negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. In some cases it is far more cost-effective to settle the dispute immediately by paying money or transferring property from one party to another.
DIY
Complete the Meeting a Lawyer Worksheet before your first appointment to help make that appointment go smoothly.
Also review the Questions to Ask Your Lawyer Worksheet so you get a better idea of what to ask your lawyer.
