ABA Family Legal Guide

When and How to Use a Lawyer

1.3 Looking for a Lawyer

1.3a Questions to Ask a Lawyer

During our first meeting, should I ask what will happen if the lawyer and I disagree?

Yes, your first meeting is the best time to ask about resolving potential problems. Find out if the lawyer will agree to arbitration if a serious dispute arises between the two of you. (Arbitration is a way of settling disputes outside the courts by presenting the issue to a neutral third party; it may or may not be binding.) In some states, it is mandatory for lawyers to agree to arbitrate certain types of disputes with their clients. Most state bar associations have arbitration committees that will settle disputes that you and your lawyer may have, say over expenses.