Selecting a Family Law Attorney

To select a professional service such as that of a family law attorney whose main practice is in divorce and or support, often at the forefront of the litigant’s/consumer’s mind is the price for the services rendered. In a relatively “no win – no fee” profession, where an hourly rate, with or without a retainer is the law lawyer’s bread and butter – price conscious consumers often become anxious when they do finally take the step for an appointment.

Nevertheless, pedagogues remind us to be mindful of the learning opportunities available in seemingly mundane areas such as a visit to the local law office.

The free consultation offer extended by Virginia administrative and domestic relations attorneys in Richmond, VA allows you to receive information and specific counsel concerning your matter of importance. Further, this opportunity permits you to discuss the legal process applicable to your particular situation and how the administrative process (if applicable) or court proceeding will proceed once initiated. According to the in depth guide on comprehensive family law attorney services in Richmond, VA with a free consultation, you can gain valuable insights during this initial meeting.

So, too, the theory of “teaching and educating” provides a means to analyze the situation of the consumer once he/she enters the law office to seek counsel.

The text of the Annales of the University of Pedagogika Cracoviensis aligns with the fabric and structure of this written piece – not only as it relates to society at large, but the impact of an engaged society to effectuate change. The theory, based on the work of Tonybee (1908) identifies pedagogies that showcase the value of development (social and psychological), by public law engagement. The interaction between the educator and student, or in this case, consumer and the lawyer is important. It allows each to understand the roles played in society, and how the lawyer can aid the consumer.

Further, the framework details how social forces and social change can affect a citizen’s decisions and engagement in various processes. The client, consumer and/or patient provides the practitioner with insight as to not only the case or case issue; but the way in which the individual views the world around them.

So, too, the pedagogical construct allows us to examine how consumers select professionals, whether health care, governmental services (such as food stamps or Medicaid) or legal aid/representation.

For example, the annales reminds us that ethics serve to define the expectations of the parties in an engagement situation (such as the attorney’s role). Ethics, applied legally, provide for the regulation of the relationships between the lawyer (service provider) and consumer or client.

Ethical engagement focuses on the process of consumer selection of legal representation. Generally speaking, and specifically in family law matters, engagement is limited to a few services provided per month. As a result, the consumer may not consider the process of selecting a law firm or attorney.

In the case of engagement, the consumer may be seeking a professional service that will assist them in navigating the waters of family law in their state, town or county. In any case, they are looking for a way to resolve what may have become or be a complex situation requiring solutions and remedies afforded through law.

While the socioeconomic status of Richmond, VA may be vastly different from New Orleans, Louisiana, the point remains the same. When perusing our social institutions, we need to understand and lay hold of the right information to make good decisions.

Pedagogy reminds us that our society is changing from an agrarian to an industrial one. Thus, the consumer/individual must make changes with regard to their development and educational growth surrounding their understanding of law, the legal processes and the professionals and businesses that operate therein.

For this reason, pedagogy is an important aspect of consumer engagement and choice. Often, it is the case that the litigant or prospective client considers the educational background and training of the professional as a deciding factor in their selection.

Again, it is the consumer who should be observant in the soliciting of services from a professional. To this end, there are many underlying issues to consider. While the offer for a consultation, free of charge, may be appealing, the client and the lawyer must then engage in a contract for services at the minimum. For those with budgets requiring some form of financial assistance, understanding the types of fees that may be offered and how to apply or otherwise obtain assistance is a common consumer objective.

The certification offered by the attorney should be reviewed, along with their areas of expertise. What additional skills, certifications and or knowledge may the professional bring to the table?

As the consumer weighs these and other considerations, the fact remains that they have chosen to engage at least a consultation. In this process, they will be subject to the rules and regulations established for the coaching and mentoring environment of the pedagogical construction. And, in this examination, they will add the legal and formal constructs that are now required (i.e., legislation) to support their development and learning process.