Whether or not your lawyer is a specialist in divorce, you should expect any lawyer to:
• provide you with a clear understanding of how you will be billed and what costs to expect, including retainer, court costs, expert witness fees, and other expenses
• provide you with copies of all documents related to your case
• maintain detailed time records and send you accurate and understandable bills
• return your phone calls promptly
• explain your rights and how he or she will go about securing them for you
• keep you up to date on settlement negotiations, and
• put significant effort into trying to settle your case out of court and, if that is not possible, prepare your case-and you-for trial.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. Just as your attorney should provide you information, you must provide complete and honest information to your attorney. This includes filling out requested forms and gathering requested documents. If your attorney has incomplete or inaccurate information, the advice you receive may be inappropriate for your particular circumstances.
Do not be concerned if your attorney is friendly with the opposing counsel. In fact, this often works to your advantage. Even if the attorneys are friends, they will each work for their client's interest. Attorneys who cooperate with each other are better able to negotiate and settle out of court, which will result in lower legal fees.
In addition, if the attorneys are enemies and drawn into an emotional fight, the end result will be higher fees and a lower quality of representation for you. An attorney in such a situation will not be able to focus clearly and objectively on the facts of your case.
Learn More about How to Get a Divorce and tips that will save you thousands.
No comments:
Post a Comment