If you are going through a divorce or child custody dispute, it is advisable to explore all your legal options. After all, your situation’s outcome may turn on a specific provision of state law. While there may be nothing inherently wrong with searching for general information online or asking friends for their opinions, there is no substitute for competent legal counsel.
According to a 2019 survey from the World Justice Project, roughly half of Americans claimed to have had a legal issue to address in the two years prior to the study. Because there are thousands of attorneys in Arizona, you may wonder if the location of your family attorney’s office makes any difference.
Accessibility
Even though you may be able to talk with your attorney over the phone or through e-mail, there is no substitute for in-person communication. In a family law matter, you are likely to need to have more than one of these interactions.
You also may have to sit for a deposition, attend settlement negotiations, sign documents or engage in other in-person activities. By choosing a family lawyer who has an easily accessible office, you minimize your chances of missing time-sensitive appointments.
Competence
You want your attorney to be an effective advocate for your interests. While you can expect your attorney to have basic competence, your legal matter may require more than that. By picking an attorney who has an office you can visit, you can gauge whether your lawyer has what it takes to represent you successfully.
Ultimately, while office location may not be high on your priority list when picking legal representation, it is hard to overstate the importance of finding an attorney with an office that is convenient for you.