How To Choose A Family Law Attorney

Jan 25, 2024

What should you consider before retaining counsel?

Making the decision to proceed with a divorce or family law matter is a very difficult and emotional process. The idea that you need to think about the division of your assets, sharing time with your children, and your financial future requires a great deal of consideration and overcoming a lot of fear. “Family Law Attorneys” exist to guide you through this process. But with so many options out there, how do we choose the right fit? Here are some tips we hope can help you in starting this journey:


Experience

When selecting an attorney, you want to know you’re in capable hands. Whether your case involves a divorce (“dissolution of marriage”), custody (“allocation of parental responsibilities”), or child support, selecting an attorney with experience is crucial to ensuring effective representation and achieving favorable outcomes. There are many different factors to consider when determining if your prospective attorney has the relevant family law experience. The best place to start is in a consultation with the potential attorney and reviewing the following information with them. Remember that *you are the client*, and you decide who provides these important services to you. Interview at least 2 options, so you can see how different offices operate.

 

Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C. offers a free 60-minute consultation, which will allow you to meet with one of our attorneys to discuss the facts and legal considerations in your case. During a consultation, you can receive an analysis of the legal issues and understand the attorney’s approach to handling cases, their strategies, and trial experience. Our attorneys collectively have over 35 years of legal experience, with a vast majority of that dedicated to family law issues.

 

Communication

An attorney that is responsive and keeps you informed about the progress of your case can help you to feel supported and confident. Ask your prospective attorney about their communication policies because timely communications are essential for a successful attorney-client relationship. When determining whether to hire someone, also consider how well they explained legal concepts and their ability to actively listen to the details you explain. Find an attorney who provides you with valuable education, who takes the time to answer your questions thoughtfully and thoroughly, and who gives you confidence this process will be completed efficiently.

 

Transparency

Find an attorney that is going to be honest with you about potential outcomes and issues in your case—both good and bad. Evaluate whether the attorney takes the time to explain legal concepts in a way you can understand, and who provides a realistic assessment of your case. Do not hire someone who promises that you will receive everything you want in a case, exactly the way you want it. Staying well-informed about your situation enables you to anticipate and manage potential challenges, providing a sense of preparedness during this difficult phase of your life.

 

Confidence

Consider whether your prospective lawyer is prepared to advocate for your interests, even in the face of unforeseen challenges and high stress situations. A confident lawyer can assertively present a case and remain calm and composed under pressure, making well-reasoned decisions and adapt to unexpected developments with ease. Keep in mind that confidence is not synonymous with arrogance. Seek an attorney that operates with ethical integrity and adheres to a strong sense of professional and moral standards.

 

Teamwork

Hiring an attorney that works as part of a team offers several advantages and can enhance the overall quality of representation. Attorneys that work in a team environment can collaborate with diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives. Working with a team also provides a broader range of resources, such as paralegals and administrative staff that can assist with tasks to lower costs. At Opfer   Campbell   Beck P.C., we have 5 talented attorneys, 3 paralegals, and a law clerk to assist on cases and enhance efficiency both with billing and the progress of the case.   

 

Commitment to Your Case

Your lawyer should prioritize your needs and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for you. They should be dedicated to representing your interests and diligent in their work, including conducting thorough research, preparing well for proceedings, and paying attention to details that may affect the outcome of your case.

 

Compatibility

It is essential to select an attorney with which  you feel comfortable and confident working. The attorneys at Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C. recognize that family law cases can be taxing. During these difficult situations, it’s important to have an attorney that you work well with and who you believe has a level of empathy, understanding, and commitment to your case. While it’s beneficial to evaluate the factors in this blog when selecting a family law attorney, you shouldn’t ignore your instincts about the person who might represent you.  

 

Professionalism

Find a lawyer that conducts themselves in a manner that reflects positively on both them and their clients. This includes dressing appropriately, maintaining a respectful demeanor, and treating all parties with common courtesy.

 

Family Law Specialization

It is completely acceptable for attorneys to practice more than one area of law, but we often hear the saying, “an expert at all is an expert at none,” and we believe there is some truth to that. When navigating complex family law issues, your attorney should have specialized knowledge and expertise in the relevant area of law pertaining to your case. Attorneys that specialize tend to be more knowledgeable in their preferred area of practice, because their experience is more expansive. If a firm has multiple attorneys, a good rule of thumb is that your attorney is specialized specifically to what you need, even if other attorneys practice in other areas.

 

Fees & Billing

When engaging in a consultation with a prospective attorney, speak with them about your options for paying fees during your case. Every law office has its own structure, fee schedule, and payment options. Ask the attorney about their billing practices, including their hourly rates, retainer requirements, and invoicing. At Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C., we understand that attorney fees may be an unanticipated cost, and determining how to pay these fees can be challenging at times. In addition to a much lower retainer structure than usual, we also now offer Affirm as a payment method, which is a “buy now, pay later” lender.


To assist you through the process of selecting a family law attorney, please find a downloadable guide here and consider taking the guide with you to any consultations. Remember, finding the right lawyer involves a combination of legal knowledge, experience, and personal qualities that align with your needs and preferences. The attorneys at Opfer | Campbell | Beck P.C. are here to assist you through your family law case, and you can schedule a free consultation by contacting our office at (303) 791-0995.

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By Brandon Campbell • 08 Apr, 2024
The death, disability, or other loss of a loved one is a difficult time for anyone, but none more than a minor child. While the adults are scrambling to pick up the pieces, they might forget there is a child left behind. And that child is experiencing more difficulty than anyone else may know or see. As a result, it is critical to attend to the child’s needs, which likely means pursuing a legal guardianship. What Is Guardianship? Guardianship is a probate action that happens in the county where the child resides. Any adult can petition the local probate court for appointment. That person (1) needs to be interested in the welfare of the child, and (2) must believe they are best-suited to serve. However, if there is a signed guardian nomination, it gives the applicant first priority to serve. Nominations happen in Last Wills or by a separate guardian nomination form. If the child is age 12 or older, they must receive notice of the petition and also have a say in the outcome. Even though a judge will decide guardianship, an older child can tell the court their preferences and why. After filing, there are several steps to the case, including hearings. A probate court must find that the applicant’s appointment is in the best interests of the child. If not, the court will look to another option. After the guardian's appointment, they will file a "care plan" with the court. This covers important plans about where the child will live and how they will receive care. Every year afterwards the guardian will file a report that updates the court about the child. And finally, when the child turns 18, the guardianship terminates. It is possible to appoint two guardians. It is also possible for guardians to live in another state when they make the request. If needed, a surviving child can relocate to live with guardians in another state. What should I do next? The initial pleadings and reports, as well as the hearings and evidence for appointment, can quickly overwhelm anyone. If you wish to become a guardian, you need a complete understanding of the process. The attorneys at Opfer | Campbell P.C. handle guardianships every day, and are here to provide you that assistance. If you have questions or need to begin a case, call us today for a consultation.

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By Brandon Campbell • 28 Dec, 2023
Regardless of whether you ever complete estate planning, it is so important to identify your wishes about “last remains,” meaning what to do with our body after we pass away. Historically, our options were limited, but today you will find there are countless choices available. Whether your motivation is religion, the environment, or cost, there is an option for everyone! Below is a general explanation of the biggest categories, but new ones are still emerging. The Traditional Paths: Burial & Cremation What everyone knows already, burial involves the physical “interment” of our body, whether that means being buried in the ground or entombed in a mausoleum. Burial is usually the most expensive option, by far, so you want to ensure there is sufficient money to cover these costs when you pass away. As planners, we strongly recommend clients obtain “pre-need insurance” that covers these costs when you pass away. The main alternative to burial, cremation involves the disposal of a body by turning it into ashes. Cremation tends to cost much less than burial, and the “cremains” can either go to family / heirs or can be interred at a cemetery. Although cremation tends to cost much less than burial, we still recommend clients consider “pre-need” policies to pay these costs when you pass away. Body Donation If you would like your body to continue having uses after you pass away, a great option to consider is body donation. In Colorado, whole-body donations are governed by the Colorado State Anatomical Board, and this allows you to leave your body to various institutions (such as universities) for the purpose of scientific research. Importantly, you cannot simply designate body donation in a Will – you must register and qualify to donate your body after you pass away. Additionally, institutions have different rules, and there are potential costs associated with donation, so before you make any commitments, we recommend you have an attorney review the donation agreement. For more information: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/state-anatomical-board/faqs “Green” Burial & Body Composting “Green Burial” is an emerging option and can involve several different choices. At its core, this choice is “green” because the burial omits traditional steps such as embalming, and uses biodegradable caskets instead of wood or metal. Additionally, Colorado has numerous “botanical cemeteries,” which upends the traditional model of a cemetery in favor of a beautiful outdoor space. All of these different options allow you to receive a burial, but in a much more eco-conscious way. In lieu of a formal burial, but without a cremation, one choice available is body composting (a/k/a “Terramation” and “Natural Reduction”). In this process, our body is converted by microbes into soil, which is then returned to the earth. This process takes much longer than any others, typically 4-6 months, but is likely the most ecologically sound. Eco-Friendly Disposition of Cremains If you choose to receive cremation after death, but do not want to remain in an urn forever, there are numerous options for those cremains. New advancements allow us to convert our cremains into many forms, such as turning them into jewels, becoming painted into artwork, or even being tattooed onto a loved one. If we want to spread our ashes into the world, several state and federal regulations (including the EPA) limit our options. However, many eco-friendly choices are developing. For example, many people opt for “bio urns,” which are biodegradable urns planted in the ground, usually with seeds for a plant / tree. Then when the urn degrades, our ashes fertilize the seeds and our legacy lives on with nature. Alkaline Hydrolysis (a/k/a Aquamation) The last option, and one that is not available in many states, Aquamation is the alternative to cremation that does not involve fire. Instead, our body is placed in an alkalized water solution, which breaks us down into our most base components. Aquamation uses substantially less energy than traditional cremation and does not release harmful toxins into the air. Similar to body composting, Aquamation is the most eco-friendly method for disposition. Regardless of your preferences, please know there are many options available, but the most important thing is to tell your loved ones your wishes. One of the tools we provide, which you can find here , is a Memorial Services Memorandum that allows you to write down anything your loved ones need to know. If you work with our office, we will hold these records for you indefinitely and will provide them when needed. If you would like to speak with our offices about Estate Planning, please call us or submit an intake form through our website and our staff will be happy to assist you.
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