The National Association Against Consumer Fraud





	Attorneys What to look for when selecting an ethical Family Law Attorney: Remember, when you hire an attorney you are paying for a service and you should be satisfied with the quality of that service. They should return your phone calls promptly, communicate with you personally and keep you updated on the status of your case. The attorney should also discuss the terms of your contract, including fees, up front. If you believe your attorney's performance is less than stellar, realize that you can replace them at your own discretion. Interview them to decide which attorney you would like to handle your case. This interview takes place at an initial consultation. Don't expect your case to be solved during this visit. Consultations usually last 30 minutes so be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you ready. Write down your story, in your own words before your meeting to organize all of your thoughts; Make sure to bring copies of any documents that may affect your case; Give your attorney any names or dates that affect your case so the attorney has an idea of who is involved; Be prepared to answer all the attorney's questions; the attorney knows which questions to ask to help you; Always tell the truth even if you think some details may hurt your case. Don't lie or exaggerate the facts; Avoid becoming too emotional; Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the attorney office. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Questions to ask an attorney: How long have you been in business? Do I need legal representation for my problem? Have you handled cases like mine in the past? What have results been on my type of case? Will you be handling my case personally? If not, what kind of work will you be doing and who will be doing the rest of the work? How available are you for meetings and phone calls? How do you handle fees? Get a written retainer including: Charges: Do you charge by the hour, a flat rate or contingency? Services that are included Extra fees that will be assessed How you will be billed What are the possible outcomes in cases such as this? How long do you expect this matter to take? What are my alternatives? Do you recommend arbitration or mediation? Important Consumer information for Family Law: Select an attorney that you are comfortable with. Be prepared to discuss assets and debts, such as mortgage information, purchase price of home, appraised value of home, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CD’s 401K’s, etc. living expenses, insurance. Be prepared to obtain an attorney; i.e. an initial payment to retain his services. Select someone with experience in the family court in the county where your problem is. Does your attorney know the judge or judges and the attorney on the other side, this can be very important to have a working knowledge of the courts, the judge and your legal adversary. There are 2 kinds of divorces – contested and uncontested: a contested dissolution of marriage takes an average of 6 months to 1 year to complete and can be expensive; an uncontested dissolution of marriage usually takes 60 days and is less costly.	After interviewing and running an extensive background check the National Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the following business a listing in The Business A-List: The Law Offices of Steven L. Laurence, PA 781 Douglas Ave. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Phone (407) 862-2529 Steven L. Laurence – Married 1978 – Wife, Kathy Laurence Three Children – Meredith, Beth & Ryan. Born in Oakdale, LA. June 22, 1952 Graduated Leesville H.S., Leesville, LA. 1970 1970 - 1975 U.S. Army 1975 – 1977 Pensacola Jr. College 1977 – 1979 Florida State University 1979 – 1983 University of Arkansas School of Law 1983 – 1985 Seminole County State Attorneys’ Office 1985 - 1990 Cleveland, Bridges and Laurence 1990 – 2000 Fisher, Laurence & Deen 2000 – 2007 Deen & Laurence 2007 – to date Steven L. Laurence, P.A. Areas of Practice Family Law, Divorce, Adoptions, Dependency, Paternity, Wills, Estates, Probate, Trust Criminal Law: all Felony and Misdemeanors, Death penalty qualified. Practice in Seminole County since 1983 – offices in Altamonte Springs since 1990 AV rated by Martindale Hubbell The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.


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