Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring a Lawyer
After years of practice, we’ve seen too many people make decisions about legal representation without the right information. Whether you’re facing a personal injury case, family law matter, or criminal charges, the attorney you choose can dramatically impact your outcome.
Here’s the Truth About Legal Consultations:
Most attorneys offer free consultations — but many people don’t know how to make the most of that time. This checklist ensures that you gather the necessary information to make an informed decision, whether you ultimately choose our firm or another.
10 Questions to Ask Your
Criminal Lawyer
What are the possible outcomes in my case?
- Best-case scenario? Worst-case scenario?
- Could I face jail time, probation, or fines?
You need honesty about both the best and worst possibilities. A good lawyer will prepare you for potential penalties, but also explain what can realistically be done to improve your situation
How will you communicate with me about my case?
- How often will you update me?
- Can I contact you directly if I have urgent questions?
Communication is critical—cases can be stressful, and you should know how often you’ll get updates and whether you’ll be able to reach your lawyer directly when something urgent comes up.
What are your fees, and how do you charge?
- Flat fee or hourly rate?
- Are there additional costs (e.g., expert witnesses, investigators)?
Legal costs can vary widely, and knowing upfront if it’s a flat fee or hourly rate helps avoid surprises. It also tells you if there might be extra expenses like investigators or expert witnesses.
Will you personally handle my case, or will another attorney?
- Some firms pass cases to junior lawyers—make sure you know who’s representing you.
Asking this ensures you know exactly who will represent you and that your case won’t be passed off without your knowledge.
How long do you think my case will take?
- Will it likely go to trial, or will it be resolved quickly?
Court cases can drag on, and asking about timing helps set realistic expectations. It also lets you know whether the lawyer anticipates trial or expects an earlier resolution.
What should I do (or avoid doing) while my case is pending?
- Can I talk to the police? Post on social media? Travel?
Your actions outside the courtroom—such as talking to police, posting on social media, or traveling—can affect your case. This question protects you from making mistakes that could hurt your defense.
What makes you the best choice for my defense?
- Why should I hire you over another attorney?
This gives the lawyer a chance to explain what sets them apart—whether it’s their experience, track record, or dedication—and helps you decide if you feel confident in hiring them.
10 Questions to Ask Your
Family Law Lawyer
How long do you expect my case to take?
- Are we looking at months or years?
- What factors could delay it?
Family cases can last months or years depending on disputes, court schedules, or cooperation from the other side. This question sets realistic expectations and helps with planning.
What are the possible outcomes in my situation?
- Best-case/worst-case scenarios for custody, support, or asset division?
- How likely is it that I’ll get what I’m asking for?
It’s important to know both the best- and worst-case scenarios. A good lawyer will give you a balanced view so you’re prepared for likely outcomes on custody, support, or property division.
How will you communicate with me, and how often?
- Can I call/email directly, or will I mostly talk to a paralegal?
- How quickly do you respond to urgent matters?
Divorce and custody cases are stressful. You need to know if your lawyer will update you directly, how fast they respond, and whether you’ll be dealing mostly with staff instead.
Have you dealt with the judges/court in my area?
- Do you know how they typically rule on issues like custody or alimony?
Judges have different tendencies—some favor joint custody, others are strict about financial disclosures. A lawyer who knows the local court can better predict what to expect.
What should I avoid doing during my case?
- Can I move out? Post on social media? Discuss the case with my spouse?
Your actions—like moving out, posting online, or talking to your spouse about the case—can affect custody or asset division. This question helps prevent mistakes that could harm your case.
Will you personally handle my case, or will someone else?
- Some firms pass work to junior associates—make sure you know who’s really representing you.
In larger firms, cases may be handed to junior associates. You want to know exactly who will represent you and who you’ll be dealing with day to day.
What do you need from me to build a strong case?
- Documents (financial records, texts, etc.)?
- Should I keep a journal of custody issues or incidents?
Your lawyer relies on you for evidence—financial records, messages, or custody journals. Asking this ensures you know what to provide to strengthen your position.
Bonus: Trust your gut—if an attorney seems dismissive, too aggressive, or unclear about strategy, keep looking.
Your Family’s Future Depends on the Right Choice
At the Law Office of Craig Stella, we understand that family law isn’t just about legal procedures — it’s about protecting what matters most to you. We’ve helped countless families navigate divorce, custody disputes, and other sensitive matters with both legal expertise and genuine compassion.
Every day you wait is another day without proper protection. Don’t let emotions or uncertainty prevent you from taking action.
Ready to protect your family’s future?
10 Questions to Ask Your
Personal Injury Lawyer
What are the possible outcomes, and how likely are they?
- Best-case scenario? Worst-case scenario?
- What’s the most realistic result?
This keeps your expectations realistic. A good lawyer will explain the best, worst, and most likely results so you can make informed decisions.
How do you charge, and what are your fees?
- Hourly rate, flat fee, or contingency (if applicable)?
- Retainer required? Any hidden costs (court fees, experts, etc.)?
Legal work can get expensive. Asking upfront avoids billing surprises and helps you compare lawyers on cost structure—whether hourly, flat fee, or contingency.
How long do you expect this process to take?
- Could this drag on for months/years, or will it resolve quickly?
- What factors could speed it up or slow it down?
Some legal matters wrap up quickly, while others drag on for years. Understanding the timeline helps you plan financially and emotionally.
Have you dealt with similar cases in my local courts?
- Do you know the judges, opposing counsel, or procedures that could affect my case?
Familiarity with local judges, procedures, and even opposing attorneys can make a difference in how smoothly your case moves forward.
What should I do (or avoid) while my case is pending?
- Can I discuss the case with others? Post about it online? Sign new contracts?
Sometimes even small actions—like signing a new contract, posting online, or discussing your case publicly—can harm your position. This question helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Will you personally handle my case, or will a junior attorney/paralegal?
- Some firms pass work to less experienced staff—make sure you know who’s really working on your file.
You deserve to know who is actually working on your file. This ensures you’re comfortable with the level of experience handling your matter.
Why should I hire you over another attorney?
- What makes you the best fit for my case? Experience? Local connections? Negotiation style?
This allows the lawyer to explain what sets them apart—experience, reputation, or style—and gives you confidence in your decision.
Bonus: Trust Your Instincts.
Did they listen carefully? Were they clear about risks and costs?
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You
You need an attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. At the Law Office of Craig Stella, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured clients. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them. We don’t get paid unless you win — which means we’re as invested in your success as you are.
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. They have lawyers protecting their interests — you should too.
Ready to level the playing field?
Questions About Your
Situation?
If you’re ready to discuss your case, we offer free consultations where we’ll answer these questions and more. You can schedule directly at (954) 709-5276.
Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Many legal matters have time limits that could affect your case.