FAQ
Family Law FAQs
Family and Locally Owned | Since 2013 | Confidential Consultations
Family and Locally Owned
Since 2013
Confidential Consultations
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Family Law Case
The best way to be informed is to ask questions. What happens in one case is in no way an indication of what will happen in your case.
There are so many different facts and circumstances that lead to a settlement or judgment. Families are unique, and each family has different needs that will dictate the appropriate resolution.
Heather-Jill Williams Family Law PC is frequently asked questions such as:
- "What should I expect for child support?"
- "Can I keep the house?"
- "What will the parenting schedule be?"
- "How will the retirements be divided?"
- "How long will my case take?"
Although these are all frequently asked questions, the answers all depend on each person's life story and their unique set of facts and circumstances.
If you are looking for answers, the best way to become informed is to ask a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced attorney. Attorney Heather-Jill Williams has the practice experience, knowledge, and skill to answer your questions. She is happy to provide you with this information during a comprehensive and confidential consultation.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Following are some answers to questions that are frequently asked prior to the consultation:
How do I choose an attorney to assist me in my family law matter?
Experience in the Probate and Family Court matters. Attorney Williams has focused her entire legal career practicing in the Probate and Family Courts in Western Massachusetts from the inception of a case through the trial phase.
Trial experience in particular is important. Some attorneys are quick to settle cases as they lack the experience, skill, and confidence to take a case to trial. Your attorney should be skilled at negotiation as well as litigation, offering you the best chance of achieving a satisfactory resolution.
What should I expect from my initial consultation with Attorney Williams, and is there a consultation fee?
Your first meeting with Attorney Williams, or Initial Consultation is a time for you to explain your concerns to an experienced and compassionate attorney. You should bring a list of any questions you have along with any paperwork you have related to any current or past family court matters that you would like to discuss.
If you do not have your case file, Attorney Williams may be able to access it through the MassCourt website. However, not everything is scanned and viewable so to be as prepared as possible, you should bring what you can bring with you to this first appointment. You do not need to bring copies for the Attorney and all of your original paperwork will remain with you.
Attorney Williams does charge $100.00 for a thirty (30) minute consultation. During this time you will receive legal advice related to the specific needs of your family as the pertain to any ongoing or potential court matter. Each person with whom Attorney Williams speaks is given the time and attention which they deserve. You will be able to explain your situation to an experienced attorney and receive an honest evaluation of your claims and defenses.
During your consultation Attorney Williams will review any documents you provide. Rather than telling you what you want to hear she will assess the likely outcome of your case. Attorney Williams provide you with accurate legal advice for your situation, even if it means telling a prospective client that what they thought the law would provide for them is not actually the case. Not only will you receive real answers to your important questions, you will also true legal advice, options, and be offered strategies based upon the information you provide.
Do I even need an attorney?
Although the court cannot require you to hire an attorney, the services of an experienced lawyer concentrating on divorce and family law is essential. Attorney Heather-Jill Williams will assist you in making sure that your rights and those of your children are fully protected and that you do not make the wrong decision regarding settlement that you will have to live with for the rest of your life.
Can one lawyer represent both of us?
It is unethical as a conflict of interest for one attorney to represent both parties in a family law case. Each party needs to be represented by unbiased independent counsel of their own choosing.
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