As one of the largest Christian nations in the world, the Philippines places high value on the sanctity of marriage and family. That’s why divorce is still illegal in the country, and married couples who want a way out can only resort to annulment or legal separation. Still, these cases are as complicated as divorce cases. And one needs the best annulment lawyer in the Philippines to put an end to a sacred union.
Once you’ve decided it’s time to end your marriage, the next step is to find one of the best annulment lawyers in the country—someone who can strategically streamline the process and avoid more complications. Here’s a list of tips that can help you find the best legal representative for your case:
Stay in the Family Law Pool
Some clients think that a lawyer will take any type of case to broaden his expertise or to simply make money. Well, they’re wrong. All lawyers have their own fields and specializations. So, if you’re looking for an annulment lawyer in the Philippines, stay in the family law pool. Find lawyers who regularly handle family law cases.
Know the Specific Services You Need
Annulment is not just about ending a marriage. It comes with various complications and personal family matters. If you have a complicated financial situation or a threatening child custody battle, then you may want to look for a lawyer who already handled such cases. Know and enumerate the legal services you need to narrow down your selection and budget range.
Research the Lawyers’ Firms, Partners, and Affiliations
Since annulment is a serious and complicated legal case, you need a legal representative with an impressive background. Aside from relevant experience and track record, this background also includes the lawyer’s significant connections. You can verify this information through various organizations in the Philippines.
Check The Lawyer/s Legitimacy And Expertise
You’ll find multiple names from recommendations and online directories, but it’s your responsibility to check the legitimacy and expertise of each Philippine annulment lawyer on your list to narrow down the selection. You can check the lawyers’ names on the Supreme Court of the Philippines’ Lawyers’ List to verify them. Alternatively, you can contact the Supreme Court Office of the Bar Confidant. As for their expertise, always choose lawyers who specialize in family law and have already handled multiple annulment cases.
Consider Your Budget Range
First-time clients always overlook some of the most critical factors when filing for annulment: budget and fees. The best lawyer may not always be the right lawyer, especially if they can’t meet your allotted budget for the case. Consider the amount you can afford to lose based on the financial demands of the lawyer.
Interview Your Prospective Lawyers
To easily narrow down your list, meet your prospective lawyers, and prepare some questions for them. Consult with at least two to three lawyers face-to-face and see how their perspectives and approaches differ. You may get multiple views on your case, so it’s best to trust your guts when the final selection begins.
Ask Important Questions
While meeting with multiple lawyers, help them understand the basics and intricacies of your case by asking important questions. Ask them about the favorable and unfavorable outcomes of your case and the most reasonable actions you can take. Make a list before your visit.