Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico

There are several do's and don'ts as to finding a lawyer. First, ask friends & family what lawyers they have used & ask if they liked the lawyer. Next, you can go & look at the lawyers who answer questions here on law guru & then call & conduct an interview. Next, you can use the lawyer referral service at the New Mexico State Bar Association. They are both on the web & in the phone book. You can also go to the self help center at the district court in your town & ask who the family lawyers are that come in and volunteer a lot. You can also hire a lawyer to give you a recommendation as to say, a half dozen names of family lawyers in your town. When you are interviewing a family lawyer you will find that if you open the conversation with "I don't have much money or I can't pay all at once" or if you start out with "how much do you charge?" Then, you may not get very far. Make an appointment to interview the lawyer. Describe your legal problem and provide copies of any legal papers associated with your case so that the lawyer can review them. Tell the lawyer what is the outcome you would like to see. The reason you want to talk about the legal problem first is that you may find a lawyer who you REALLY like but who's hourly price might shock you & if you know the price before you know the lawyer you might cut the interview short. While I know that money is important don't let money be your guide in selecting a lawyer. If you are honest with the lawyer in the interview & you both think you can work with each other the money issue will get resolved. So, don't worry about the money.

After you have talked about the legal problem then talk about the money. In your zip code don't be afraid to hire a lawyer at $200 or $250 an hour. Sometimes your very expensive lawyer will work more quickly & more efficiently than someone who charges a whole lot less. Thus, you could end up with a lower bill with an expensive lawyer than with a lower priced lawyer. But, also ask if the fee is the only fee or will you also be charged separately for paralegal & secretary time and postage and copies? That is an important point to know. As, I said above, find your lawyer first and then deal with the money. You will meet some lawyers who will not take any payment plan at all. But, you will also meet plenty of lawyers who will make a payment plan with you.

I hope this answer helps you get to the place you were looking for.

Good Luck.

Law Guru