What To Expect From A Matrimonial Attorney
1. Candor -- Up Front and Throughout The Relationship About...
- Fees and billings.
- Who will handle the case -- your lawyer or an associate.
- Everything will not be all right.
- How long it will take?
- How much it will cost?
- Who to call when I have a problem.
- Who will return my calls?
- Experts -- Who and How Much?
2. How can I, as a client, help and become a partner in the process?
- What are the real goals?
- Explain the process.
- Inform me so I can participate in making decisions based on facts.
3. Don't patronize me and tell me everything will be all right.
4. Don't tell me "not to worry."
5. Understand that I have a problem and don't know where else to turn.
6. Tell me whom I can trust.
- Explain the difference between confidential and privileged.
- Who should I talk to and who should I not talk to?
- What records can be used against me?
- Should I trust my friends and family?
7. Help me understand the alternatives to litigation.
8. Help me understand the support guidelines and enforcement, taxation questions, division of pension plans, Social Security, and health care.
9. Help me understand that "final" is not really "final" because of the potential future....
- Change of custody, support, and alimony awards.
- I might not be able to move away with my children.
- College education.
10. Help me spot the important questions and help me avoid getting bogged down in not-so-important details.
11. Help me understand the magnitude of your responsibility and how I can help you realize the best result for me.
12. Help me understand that the judicial system is so overloaded that often the quantity of cases disposed of becomes more important than the quality of justice dispensed.
13. You should understand that I will have real life problems to face after divorce and provide me with resources by which I can learn to deal with what will certainly lie ahead.
14. Help me understand that you are not a marriage counselor and should not be asked to make my personal decisions.
15. Help me understand that you are going to evaluate the facts and legal issues involved in my case and to advise me about my rights and obligations.
16. Explain to me that you are not a guarantor of results.
17. Help me understand that you are no better than the information you provide.
18. Remember that my lack of self-confidence and dependence is often the cause of post divorce problems. Help me get the strength to survive and learn from the experience.
