You do your research, interview a few candidates, and then make a choice that will be highly significant to the outcome of your divorce case: you hire a divorce attorney. So what happens now? Do you just sit back and let your attorney take the reins? The answer is no.
You and your lawyer are partners, working together to obtain the best possible outcome for you in your divorce. You each have your roles in the divorce process. And here is what you need to do in your role as client:
Tell and listen to the truth. There is probably nothing you could say that would shock your divorce lawyer, especially if they have practiced family law for awhile. Tell your attorney the truth so he or she can formulate a good strategy for your case. You also need to be willing to hear the truth and not what you may want to hear.
Tell your attorney what you want. List the things that are important to you so your attorney can help you set reasonable expectations for your divorce case. Your lawyer knows the judges, the courts, and the legal process. You do not. Be willing to accept their guidance on what you can realistically expect.
Communicate efficiently. You can make the divorce process go smoother — and cost less — if you are efficient in communicating with your attorney. Ask him or her what their preferred method of communication is and use it wisely. Email is usually more efficient than a phone call, and you may sometimes need a face-to-face meeting for more complex discussions.
Follow through on requests. When your attorney asks you for documents, get them to him or her as soon as you can. The divorce process runs on paperwork, and the outcome of your case will depend on the accuracy of the information you provide. Neglecting to provide the proper records or failing to show up to meetings will compromise your case.
Take your attorney’s advice. Friends who have gone through a divorce can be helpful, but they can also be harmful. Your divorce is yours alone, totally unique from the experience of others. Just because you know people who went through a terrible divorce — or a good one — does not mean yours will follow suit. Every divorce is different — the circumstances, the cost, and the result. The advice you get from your lawyer is specific to your case, so it is wise to listen to that instead of anecdotes from friends and family. After all, that is what you are paying for!
Protecting your interests and achieving results that support your needs is what you can expect from Cistaro Law. Contact us today for your free consultation.
