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Communicating with Divorce AttorneysDivorce attorneys with excellent credentials, outstanding reputations and hefty hourly rates are not always the ideal counsel for divorce. They are very competent and well versed in legal matters pertaining to divorce. But sometimes their clients feel lost and abandoned during the most difficult times of their lives. When searching for prospective divorce attorneys, the client probably doesn't give any thought to whether they would be comfortable discussing very personal matters with these lawyers. They almost never think to ask these prospective divorce attorneys about their communication habits before
hiring them. Unfortunately, this can become very detrimental to the case and discouraging for the client. It's not unreasonable to want to get the ear of the attorney who is handling your legal case, and is probably necessary in a divorce or child custody case. However, many divorce attorneys do not understand that their client may need some handholding in such a traumatic time of their life. They need to realize that every client is unique and the expectations of their attorney may be different than the expectations of their last client.
The most common complaint clients have against their divorce attorneys, is failure to return phone calls and to keep clients informed on the progress of their cases. This can all be avoided with questions before the hiring process. Divorce attorneys will be very attentive to the client's questions and will respond honestly. If the answers to these questions match what the client is seeking, then hopefully the communication will be a two way street.
Your First Appointment
The first thing step in getting divorced is finding an attorney. Divorce attorneys are abundant in the phonebook and on the internet. It will not be difficult setting up your first appointment. Starting with a phone call to discuss fees and the general information about the case is always a good idea. If you feel comfortable then proceed to the first appointment. The first appointment with your divorce attorney should set the tone for the entire case. If the communication has been good, then chances are good that the communication between the two of you will work throughout the case. It doesn't matter how organized you are for the first meeting, divorce attorneys will tell you that the first appointment is generally full of tension. Basically because of the emotionally charged events that are involved in the case. Children, support, and finances all play critical roles in divorce proceedings. Divorce attorneys are aware of this and will try to soothe the anxiety that goes along with the case.
The attorney will not be able to predict what "happens" in the divorce, but there are standard rules of thumb for custody, visitation and financial problems that can be discussed at your first appointment. When rules of thumb do not apply there are usually standard guidelines that can be followed. So take a deep breath before entering your attorney's office and remember all is fair in war and divorce. |
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