How to Choose the Right Brisbane Family and Divorce Lawyer: 7 Essential Questions to Ask

How to Choose the Right Brisbane Family and Divorce Lawyer: 7 Essential Questions to Ask

Let’s be honest going through a separation or divorce is one of the toughest things you’ll ever face. Emotions are running high, you’re overwhelmed with decisions, and on top of it all, you have to navigate the legal system. The choices you make now—especially when it comes to choosing a Brisbane family & divorce lawyer will have a lasting impact on your finances, your children and your future.

Maybe you’re worried about how your assets will be divided or whether you’ll get a fair custody arrangement. Or perhaps you’re afraid of being stuck in a drawn-out legal battle that drains your bank account and leaves you emotionally exhausted. These are real concerns, and the lawyer you choose can make all the difference.

You don’t just need a family and divorce lawyer—you need the right one. Someone who will fight for your best interests, keep your legal costs under control and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Before you hire a lawyer, ask these seven crucial questions to make sure you’re making the right choice.

1. Do you offer a free or reduced fee initial consultation?

Many Brisbane family law firms offer free or reduced-rate initial family law consultations. We offer a free 15-minute consultation so that you get a feel for how we might be able to help and work together, and we also offer a reduced fixed fee initial consultation.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to assess whether a lawyer is the right fit for you. It allows you to discuss your concerns, understand the lawyer’s approach, and see if the lawyer’s personality and communication style align with your needs.

2. How long have you practiced family law?

With all things in life – experience matters. A lawyer who has been practicing family law for years will have encountered a wide range of cases and will be better equipped to handle the complexities of your situation. They can provide informed strategies and insights based on real-life cases.

Additionally, life experience plays a significant role. A lawyer with a strong understanding of family dynamics and emotional intelligence will approach your case with greater empathy and sensitivity, helping you confidently navigate this difficult time.

When selecting a family and divorce lawyer, make sure you look at the lawyer profiles on their website and speak to them.

With over 25 years of expert experience in both court and non-court family law, domestic and international, we deliver outstanding results every time. Just look at our 5-star Google Reviews.

3. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?

Every family situation is different, and the approach your lawyer takes can have a lasting impact on your relationships and financial future. Some lawyers take an aggressive approach, favouring litigation, which can be expensive, emotionally exhausting, and time-consuming.

Others focus on mediation and collaborative law to find amicable solutions that minimise conflict and preserve relationships.

Choosing a lawyer who takes the right approach to your specific circumstances will make all the difference to both outcome and the legal costs you incur. We always favour an approach which keeps you out of court, but understand that sometimes, circumstances require robust, timely, court representation.  

We have the experience and know-how to effectively represent clients using all available pathways with the goal of reaching a Consent Order – whether that’s solicitor-led negotiation, lawyer-assisted mediation, or court representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

4. Who will be handling my case?

It’s important to know who will be managing your case from start to finish. Some firms have senior lawyers conduct the initial consultation, only to palm it off to junior lawyers or paralegals.

You need to make sure that the lawyer you choose will be personally involved in your case and available to answer your questions. It’s important that you know exactly who will be handling your matter, so you aren’t left feeling like just another case file bouncing between different lawyers who don’t fully understand your situation.

At Arora Legal, you will have a dedicated lawyer working with you from start to finish.

5. How much do family lawyers cost?

A big and important question.

Brisbane family and divorce lawyers usually charge on a fixed fee basis or use an hourly rate. Fixed fees aren’t always available as this depends on the type of matter and task being carried out. Hourly rates, typically range from $385 – 800 plus GST.  The bigger the law firm, the higher the rate but not necessarily the better outcome!

It’s important that your family and divorce lawyer, is transparent with you about your legal costs and how they will charge for their family law service. Ask about the range of fees you can expect and under what circumstances fees may exceed the initial estimate. Knowing this information upfront helps you confidently plan your legal expenses and will avoid any nasty surprises.

6. What family law funding options are available?

Some family law firms offer deferred payment plans, allowing you to delay family law legal fees until after a settlement is reached. This is common in family law property matters, where clients expect a financial settlement but may not have immediate access to funds.

The key benefit is access to legal representation without upfront costs, which can help you manage cash flow during a challenging time. However, legal fees may be higher due to the lawyer’s risk, and some agreements include interest or additional costs.

Not all firms offer this option, so if you need legal help but lack immediate funds, ask about deferred payment plans. We provide this option after carefully assessing your situation in select cases.

7. How will we communicate throughout the process?

Good communication is key to a successful lawyer-client relationship. While many law firms use communication apps, this should never be the only way you can reach them.

When you’re dealing with urgent matters, whether it’s a court deadline, a last-minute negotiation, or an unexpected situation—you need to be able to speak to your lawyer directly. Make sure your lawyer offers multiple communication channels, including phone calls and in-person meetings, so you always have timely support when you need it most.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right family and divorce lawyer in Brisbane is a personal decision. The right lawyer should have the skills and experience to handle your case and make you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. By asking these questions, you can find a lawyer who aligns with your values and works to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Remember, this is about your future, so take the time to research and find someone who truly has your best interests at heart.