One of the most difficult decisions a person must make is his or her selection of law firms to represent him or her in a divorce or other family law proceeding. To most people, custody and parenting time issues are crucial. What a Court decides now may have an impact on custody and parenting time orders until your children graduate from high school. Making sure your property and other financial issues are handled properly is also crucial. If your attorney does not assist you in identifying all of your property rights, your right to your fair share may be lost forever.

Many law firms advertise themselves as superior. Before making a final decision, you should investigate the firm's credentials and interview the attorney who will be handling your case. There are various sources that rate law firms and individual attorneys. There are also certifications available to attorneys that distinguish them from other attorneys. These are objective indicators as to the quality of legal services provided.

The only distinction between family law attorneys provided by the State Bar of Arizona (Arizona Board of Legal Specialization) is whether an attorney is a Certified Family Law Specialist. As of 2005, there are only 80 attorneys in the State of Arizona who are Certified Family Law Specialists. William D. Bishop of Bishop Law Office holds this credential. Mr. Bishop has gone to great lengths to surround himself with the best family law attorneys available.

The best known rating organization is Martindale-Hubbell, which has rated attorneys and law firms for over 100 years. The Martindale-Hubbell rating system provides for an unbiased, peer based rating system whereby both attorneys and judges rate other attorneys and firms. An attorney or firm must be above average just to get rated, much less achieve the highest ratings.

Bishop Law Office and its attorneys have achieved the highest possible rating available. Less than 5% of attorneys and firms have achieved such rating. Pursuant to such rating, Bishop Law Office has demonstrated the following:

A reflection of having achieved the highest levels of professional skill and integrity.

Based upon such achievements, Bishop Law Office and its attorneys are listed with the Martindale-Hubbell Registrar of Preeminent Lawyers.

Despite these credentials, Bishop Law Office's legal fees are comparable or less than many family law attorneys who have not achieved these distinctions.

Another important aspect you should consider in retaining legal counsel is the attorney’s dedication to your individual case, and whether they communicate with you promptly regarding all aspects of your case. The most complaints filed through the State Bar of Arizona regard attorneys who do not properly communicate with their clients.

Bishop Law Office is committed to communicate with its clients promptly and clearly. The firm provides copies of all Court documents to its clients promptly. If a client has questions, Bishop Law Office makes it a priority to respond to such questions at the first available opportunity. This may be done by telephone, in-person, or e-mail. Bishop Law Office attorneys use high-speed internet services, and prioritize client communications.

Some people may choose a firm because of its close location to their home. Other people may choose the attorney with the lowest hourly rate. Some people may choose an attorney because a friend or family member knows the attorney. Although all of these may be valid considerations, we suggest that you fully investigate your options before you make a decision.

Bishop Law Office welcomes inquiries from potential clients who are interviewing other firms as well. Choosing the right family law firm for you is a critical decision and should be made only after fully informing yourself of your alternatives.