Don’t Be Fooled by Flashy Awards—Here’s What Really Matters When Choosing a Family Law Attorney

Awards and accolades may catch your eye, but they don’t always reflect what matters most when choosing a family law attorney. Discover how to look beyond the shiny objects and select a lawyer who’s genuinely equipped to fight for you and your family.

When it comes to family law matters, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether you’re facing a divorce, a child custody battle, or other family law issues, selecting the wrong attorney could cost you more than just time and money—it could cost you peace of mind or result in outcomes you didn’t want. 

While awards like “Your County’s Most Amazing Lawyers” on an attorney’s site may catch your eye, they don’t always reflect what matters most in a family law attorney: someone who understands your situation, communicates effectively and guides you through this challenging time with care. Plus, these awards might not even mean what you think they do in terms of an attorney’s experience or credentials.

We’ll give you some insight into what these awards mean and what really matters when choosing a lawyer to represent you.

What Do Vanity Awards Say About an Attorney?

Unfortunately, vanity awards in the legal profession are accolades often based on marketing rather than merit. These awards are typically granted by organizations or publishing houses with vague qualifications, making them more about visibility than achievement. 

Lawyers or firms can sometimes self-nominate or pay a fee to receive an award, creating a “pay-to-play” system. In other cases, an attorney or firm on the list may have received a certain number of votes from staff, clients, or community members to appear on the list and receive the logo to display on their site. These awards may suggest popularity but rarely prove an attorney’s ability to manage complex legal cases to your satisfaction.

Genuine legal awards or earned certifications, on the other hand, involve peer review, clear criteria, and transparent selection processes, recognizing measurable achievements. Understanding the difference between vanity awards and legitimate accolades can help you choose an attorney who prioritizes your needs over appearances.

For example, Smedley Law Group, P.C. founder Ali Smedley, Esq. is a New Jersey Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, a prestigious designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This certification is a mark of distinction, recognizing attorneys with exceptional knowledge and experience in family and matrimonial law. Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys must meet stringent requirements, including a minimum of five years of experience, favorable evaluations from judges and peers, and the successful completion of a rigorous written exam. 

As one of only 2% of attorneys in New Jersey to hold this certification, Ms. Smedley brings a deep understanding of complex family law issues such as divorce, child custody, asset division, alimony, and domestic violence. Her certification ensures that clients receive the highest level of professional care and legal representation in their family law matters.

What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney

Choosing the right family law attorney can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key things can help make it easier. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Experience with Your Type of Case
Family law covers a lot of ground, so you’ll want an attorney used to handling cases like yours. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, alimony, or more than one matter, make sure they’re familiar with your issues and unique circumstances. This experience will help them handle the ins and outs of New Jersey’s laws and give you legal advice that’s right for you. At Smedley Law Group, P.C., our attorneys only practice family law to give our clients confidence in our experience representing them.

Client Reviews and Feedback
One of the best ways to gauge an attorney’s effectiveness is by reading what past clients have said about their experience. Look for reviews on sites like Google or Avvo, especially those that mention how responsive the attorney was, how clearly they communicated, and whether they helped clients reach positive outcomes. Hearing from real people can give you a good sense of how an attorney works.

Clear Communication
You want an attorney who can explain things clearly. Family law can get complicated, and you need someone who’ll make sure you understand your options without all the legal jargon. An attorney who listens to your concerns, answers your questions and makes you feel heard will help make a tough process more manageable. At Smedley Law Group, P.C., we never bombard you with legalese, so you’ll always understand your options to make informed decisions.

Commitment to Your Case
Have you chosen an attorney who genuinely cares about your situation? They should listen closely to your needs and focus on getting the best outcome possible. Look for someone who shows empathy and is committed to helping you through what can be a very emotional time. The firm staff should also be responsive and get back to you with answers and updates in a timely manner.

Focusing on these things will help you find an attorney who’s qualified and whom you can trust and feel comfortable with during this challenging time.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Family Law Attorneys

Picking the right family law attorney isn’t just about credentials—it’s about finding someone who truly understands your needs and can guide you through a challenging time. Here are some questions to ask during your search:

When Researching Online:

1. Does the website provide clear, practical information about family law?
A solid attorney’s website should make legal topics like divorce or custody understandable without overwhelming you with legal jargon. Look for articles, blog posts, or FAQs that break things down in a way that’s easy to grasp, helping you get a sense of how they simplify complex issues.

2. What does the attorney’s bio tell you?
When reviewing a family law attorney’s bio, look for signs that they are a strong choice for your case. Focus on their experience in handling cases like divorce, child custody, or high-asset matters and whether family law is their main practice area. Certifications such as being a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney and memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers show their dedication to the field. 

A good bio will mention familiarity with local courts, successful case outcomes, and a focus on clear communication and client care. Positive client feedback, as well as involvement in continuing education or community programs can also indicate they’re well-qualified to handle your case.

3. Are there specific examples of the cases they typically handle?
Check for detailed case examples or specific areas of family law the attorney focuses on. An attorney who regularly handles similar cases will be more in tune with the specifics of your situation and New Jersey’s family law landscape. 

During a Consultation:

1. How will they approach your case and handle challenges?
You’ll want to know how the attorney plans to handle your case. Ask them to walk you through how they’d approach your situation or what realistic outcomes you can expect. A good attorney can point out any potential challenges and explain how they plan to deal with them, giving you a sense of their experience and how prepared they are to help you.

2. How do they communicate with clients throughout the process?
Effective communication is key in family law cases. Ask how they plan to keep you updated and their response times. Do they have a system for regular check-ins or updates? Clear communication can make the entire process less stressful and help you feel more in control.

3. What are the potential challenges or concerns specific to your case?
A skilled attorney should be able to identify any potential hurdles based on your unique situation. Ask them to point out any challenges they foresee and how they’d address them. This will give you a sense of their problem-solving abilities and how well they can anticipate and manage complications.

Asking these questions will give you a clearer idea of whether an attorney fits your needs, helping you choose someone who understands the law and can navigate the process with you.

Red Flags to Watch Out For When Reviewing Attorneys

Choosing the right family law attorney is a big decision, and it’s important to stay vigilant for any warning signs that might indicate they’re not the best fit for you. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Red Flag #1: Relying Too Much on Awards
While awards and accolades might look impressive, an attorney who overemphasizes them might focus more on marketing than on actual casework. If their website or pitch is packed with “Top Lawyer” badges but lacks details about their experience, client relationships, or case results, it could be a sign that they’re more interested in selling you an image than providing solid legal representation. Unfortunately, many of these “awards” are given without vetting the recipient.

Instead, choosing an attorney who can back up their reputation with real-world experience and a clear commitment to your needs is important.

Red Flag #2: Overpromising Results
If an attorney promises a specific outcome, that’s a huge red flag. Family law cases are unpredictable, and no lawyer can guarantee a win or a particular result. A trustworthy attorney will take the time to explain the potential challenges and uncertainties of your case and set realistic expectations. They should focus on providing honest advice, not making promises that could lead to disappointment down the road.

Red Flag #3: Lack of Transparency
An attorney who’s vague about their fees, the legal process, or what to expect throughout your case should raise concern. During your initial consultation, your attorney should give you information about pricing, the legal process, and potential outcomes after they hear the specifics of your case.

Family law can be complex and emotionally charged, and you need someone upfront about what’s involved. A reputable attorney will explain their fees clearly, answer your questions without hesitation, and give you a realistic idea of the steps involved in your case. It’s a sign to move on if something feels unclear or evasive.

Being aware of these red flags will help you steer clear of attorneys who may not have your best interests at heart. The right attorney should be transparent, realistic, and focused on providing the best possible care for your case.

Retain a Reputable Attorney to Represent You 

While awards might grab your attention, they shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing a family law attorney. What matters most is clear communication, relevant experience, and building a strong, trusting relationship. At Smedley Law Group, P.C., we focus on understanding your unique needs and working closely with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us for a consultation. We’re here to provide your support and guidance during this challenging time.

Contact the Experienced Family Law Attorneys at Smedley Law Group, P.C. in Woodbury, NJ, Today

No matter what family law matter you’re facing, whether it’s divorce, child custody, child support, or asset division, we’re here to help. The New Jersey family law attorneys at Smedley Law Group, P.C. are committed to providing legal guidance for clients throughout the state, including West Deptford, Woodbury Heights, Runnemede, and Westville.

We understand how challenging this time can be for you, so we’ll fight hard to protect your interests and those of your loved ones throughout the legal process. Call us at (856) 251-0800 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 750 Cooper Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.