You wouldn’t marry the first person you walked by on the streets and you should not hire the first family / divorce lawyer that you talk to either.  Keep the following tips in mind when you are selecting a family lawyer:

1. You want a lawyer that is willing to tell you frankly and honestly, what your chances are when you are talking about your options.  For example, your lawyer should be willing to tell you that something you want is unreasonable when it is.  Your lawyer should not be willing to jump at your each and every whim, if they are then you are looking at a huge legal bill that has been wasted on trivial motions and lost hopes.
   
2. You also want a lawyer that is up to date on the legal field as well as technology.  They should have at a minimum an email address or a website where you can send them messages and know all of the updated divorce terms.  For example, visitation is a phrase frowned upon now; instead, the term parenting time is used.  If your lawyer still relies heavily on the phrase visitation then they may not be the best lawyer for you.
   
3. A good lawyer will also remain calm.  When in the midst of a divorce there are enough emotions flying around the meeting rooms and courtroom without your lawyer adding to the drama.  You want someone that acts mature, calm and keeps their emotions in check.  A highly emotional lawyer is never a good idea no matter what. 
   
4. Lawyers that are willing to put the needs of the children first are the best option you have.  If you have a lawyer who seems unconcerned about the decisions involving your children then you need to find a new lawyer very quickly.  There is no reason to stay with a lawyer who has no interests in your children at all. 
   
5. In addition, you want a lawyer that is able to keep an eye on things that are important.  You do not want a lawyer who seems more concerned about racking up legal fees than the important issues in the case.  Additionally, you want a lawyer who is willing to answer your questions directly without a 30-minute irrelevant discussion first.
   
6. You should also seek a lawyer who looks professional and acts as such from the first moment you ever meet with them.  If a lawyer shows up looking rather unprofessional and irritated to be meeting when you for an initial meeting it is not likely to improve with further meetings, nor are they likely to be the judge’s favorite lawyer.  You should remember, you are the boss in the relationship and your lawyer should look professional in order to be treated with respect in court.

One last thing to remember is you can go to the courthouse and watch some proceedings.  Watch which lawyers seem to handle themselves best in front of the judge.  Watch and see who seems to interact the best with their clients.  You could also ask clients that look happy who their lawyer is.  Listen to what the other people in court have to say, good or bad those conversations can often be very useful in trying to find the best lawyer possible.  You never want to rush into the decision to hire a lawyer because your lawyer can determine how successful your case is.