Determining your Family Law Needs
Often, when looking for a Spanish speaking attorney, we tend to overlook other areas of legal needs that require someone versed in the specific subject matter and speaking both English and Spanish. For instance, not only may parents be considering divorce and division of assets, but also custody of any minor children involved. The same may be true in cases where grandparents or other relatives are seeking custody of their own. They may also be looking to adopt a child into the family. Or pursue guardianship , leaving funds and property to a loved one or friend who has cared for them for years. Any of these situations can be complicated by language barriers, making the services of a qualified family law attorney even more crucial. It is good to have a lawyer working for you who is fluent in both English and Spanish to help you prepare and understand how the courts look at various issues. Some of these critical questions may include:
Importance of Language Skills in Family Representation
In cases of separation, divorce, and family law, having an experienced attorney who speaks Spanish can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Whether or not you speak English, your attorney does need to speak English, so some of the time will be spent in English, but the Spanish fluency brings a personal touch to your representation. We believe the first choice in any case should be a bi-lingual attorney—the reason is experience. Family law attorneys who are bi-lingual have represented clients who do not speak English well, or at all. They are used to working with Hispanic clients who have just arrived from countries who do not have similar processes, and they are highly experienced in not only the law, but in the customs of other cultures. Your attorney should be familiar with different customs, and he or she should not be quick to judge or leap to conclusions about family matters because there may be cultural lag that has not been considered before final decisions about property division, spousal support, or child support are made.
We can start with an initial consultation in Spanish if necessary. In many cases, neither party is a fluent Spanish speaker, so you may have a fully bi-lingual discussion at some points, and a bi-lingual discussion at others. If you need a Spanish language speaker, begin the search right away, while all options are open.
How to Select the Very Best Spanish Speaking Family Lawyers
Effective strategies for identifying the top Spanish speaking family law attorneys in your area are a critical factor in successful family law representation. There is no "one size fits all" for determining what makes an attorney a "top lawyer" in any area, including family law. When you need to hire a Spanish speaking family law attorney, take time to consider several criteria. Focus on such factors as competence, language ability, experience, personality and customer service.
As you search for relevant Spanish speaking family law attorneys in your area, be certain that those you are considering can handle the specific matters with which you require assistance. A general practitioner in family law is usually not considered the top choice. Look for those lawyers who have focused their practice significantly on family law. Notably, there are some general practitioners who have significant experience handling family law matters.
Language capability is essential when seeking the best Spanish speaking family law attorneys in your community. It’s not enough for the law firm or particular attorney to be bilingual. You need to be confident that the skills of individual bilingual attorneys extend beyond conversational abilities into the legal realm.
Also closely examine the specific qualifications of specific Spanish speaking family law attorneys. When you see that particular attorney has achieved distinct honors, such as being recognized by a leading legal organization or publication, take that into consideration as an example of their commitment to professional excellence.
Interview prospective attorneys concerning their experience level. Top Spanish speaking family law attorneys should have at least five years of experience practicing family law in the state where you reside. Moreover, attorneys who consistently practice family law are more likely to be current on changes in the law regarding divorce, child custody and other family law matters.
Put emphasis on hiring individuals known for providing high levels of customer service. Ideally, the top Spanish speaking family law attorneys are individuals who genuinely listen to your family law needs and respond accordingly. Pay attention to the demeanor of attorneys and their staff during in-person and telephone conversations. Identify an individual who is an active and empathetic listener.
Gather information about the service record of attorneys and their firms from prior clients, current clients and acquaintances who have worked with the firm or office. Gathering this feedback could provide specific details about the firm or attorney you will ultimately hire.
Benefits of Cultural Familiarity in Family Law Practice
An attorney who speaks Spanish as a primary language may be a godsend to Spanish-speaking clients, but there are additional factors that can contribute to the quality of representation you receive and your accessibility of your attorney. A Spanish-speaking family law attorney from a Latin American country or with strong ties to the Latin American community may have a better understanding of the cultural sensitivities surrounding family law matters than an attorney who is not culturally Latino. For example, an attorney from Latin America may be more familiar with the concept of Catholic annulment than an attorney from the United States. Similarly , an attorney born and raised in Latin America may understand that your Catholic faith or your upbringing in a Catholic household influences your decision to seek an annulment over divorce implemented by a civil court.
An attorney from a Spanish-speaking background who does not speak English as a first language may lend you a greater measure of support than an attorney who speaks English fluently. For example, if you wish to keep your traditional marriage agreement in your home country, such as Mexico, the attorney may understand the laws of Mexico so he or she can properly advise you on your rights and obligations as a spouse and a parent, whereas an attorney who is not familiar with another country’s laws may be limited in his or her ability to help you.
Locating a Spanish Speaking Attorney
There are a number of different resources available for individuals looking for a Spanish speaking family law attorney. One of the best ways to find a Spanish speaking lawyer in your area is by searching the American Bar Association or equivalent states. For example, if you reside in Ohio, you would search for the Ohio Bar Association. The state bar typically has specific sections for family law as well as a Hispanic Lawyer Circle. Many of the attorneys listed in these sections will have personal profiles or biographies that outline whether they speak the language or not and if so, what languages they may speak. There are also organizations that strictly for Hispanic individuals searching for attorneys. While you can find a list of attorneys that will speak your language, its best to research whether they offer services in the specific field of law you wish to pursue.
There are also some large national directory websites that can be useful in searching for lawyers. These websites will provide a list of attorneys in your area. Some of these websites will indicate whether or not the attorney is bilingual. In addition, you may also find reviews of attorneys that may help with deciding what attorney is right for you.
There is nothing quite like a personal recommendation from a family member or a friend. While a personal referral will likely get you in the door, it does not guarantee that the attorney is perfect for your needs. It is advisable to contact several different attorneys to find one that is right for you. Sometimes you may need to take advantage of a deeply discounted hourly rate, which will allow you to obtain a further sense of satisfaction as to how the attorney may assist you.
Preparing for the Initial Consultation
A family law attorney is best able to help you when you are prepared when you meet with him or her. Consider some questions that your Spanish speaking family law attorney will ask and the answers to those questions when preparing for a consultation:
Financial Disclosure
Additional Information
Documentation
Preparing for your first meeting with an attorney will make the process easier on both you and your attorney.