The attorney-client relation explained, Part Two

In yesterday's blog post from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we introduced the topic of the attorney-client relationship. If you are interested in learning more about how a law office handles your case daily and what you need to be prepared for as far as responsibilities in your case are concerned, I highly recommend that you go back and read through that blog.

Collect documents and information early and often

Just because you have handed your attorney a small chunk of your net worth and an even more significant amount of good faith does not mean that all the work on your case from that point forward is to be done by your attorney, far from that. Ultimately every decision in your lawsuit will be made by you with the assistance and advice of your attorney.

Part of your responsibility as a client is to assist your attorney in creating a solid case. A strong case is built upon facts that can be used advantageously in the courtroom if necessary.

Even though going to a trial is unlikely given how frequently settlements occur in divorce cases, it is still essential to present a solid chance to your judge. With that said, how can you best assist your attorney in the critical task of building your case?

Filling out information packets, inventories, appraisements, and similar documents are a start. These are fundamental questions that your attorney will need to have completed in order so that they can learn important facts about your life.

Your income, your children's activities, your spouse's income, and any pertinent family history will all be discussed in these documents. How your family property is broken down into community vs. separate and how you value your property is crucially essential in formulating arguments to present.

In collecting documents like tax returns, pay stubs, bank, and retirement account information, you are helping your attorney and teaching yourself more about your case than you may have realized.

Most of this work can be done before you even hire an attorney. Save yourself time and money by getting to work on this now. Collect documents and begin to take inventory of your life.

Become comfortable with being in charge of your case

You are not a divorce expert. You are not an expert on the law. You are an expert on yourself, your family, and what is best for your children. Nobody (outside of your spouse) will ever know more about yourself, your family, and your children than you will. As a result, you are your attorney's most significant resource when it comes to preparing a case.

With this being said, you as the expert and owner of your case will be charged with making all decisions about whether to settle, go to trial or make individual decisions regarding custody, child support, and any other subject.

Examine your life and think about your best interests and that of your children. Suppose you have a question about how your thoughts line up with your attorney's contact. You can seek your attorney's counsel on any subject you wish. You're paying them for that advice, keep in mind.

At a certain level, though, you rely on your attorney's judgment and expertise and should defer to them as a result. Drafting certain documents in specific ways, formulating questions at a hearing, or even allowing a hearing or mediation to be pushed back a few weeks are areas where you ought to listen to your attorney and let them take the lead.

If something doesn't make sense to you, then obviously ask for clarification. In general, however, keep in mind that while you will be making all the decisions in your case, there are micro-level decisions that are best left to your attorney.

We are maintaining the attorney-client privilege.

The most extraordinary aspect of the relationship between your attorney and you is that your communications are privileged, meaning confidential.

Outside of telling your attorney something about abuse/neglect of a child or the details of a crime that has been committed, your attorney is not at liberty to discuss any of your communications with one another without your consent. If you have sent an email to your attorney, had a conversation over the phone, or even completed paperwork, this confidentiality applies to each of those situations.

Read the contract between yourself and your attorney

This may seem obvious, but it is a tip that I cannot emphasize enough. Please read the assurance that you are signing with your attorney. It is not enough to skim the document or ask your attorney to summarize it.

Go through every word on every page to understand what you are getting yourself into as far as representation is concerned. Your attorney can be the best advocate ever. Still, if you and they are in disagreement over overpayment or any other issue, then the relationship can quickly become a negative one for you.

Our office will go over the contract with you before both sides sign, and I recommend that you make sure any lawyer you hire does the same with you. Ask questions and get clarifications if necessary. Start your case off on the right foot by understanding the nature of your relationship and the responsibilities that both sides have to one another.

Questions about the attorney-client relationship? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, today.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important subject with you all. If you have questions about hiring a family law attorney, please do not hesitate to contact our office today.

Across southeast Texas, people just like you have chosen to have the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, work on their behalf. Don't hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation with one of our licensed family law attorneys.

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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it's essential to speak with one of our Houston , TX, Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.

Our d ivorce lawyers in Houston, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, handles Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, Houston, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.