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Understanding how to work effectively with your attorney can significantly impact the success of your case. For family law clients, it’s essential to remember that your attorney works for you. While they handle the legal aspects, your active involvement ensures the best outcomes for your family.
Building a Strong Attorney-Client Relationship in Family Law Cases
The attorney-client relationship in family law plays a crucial role in achieving the best outcomes. As a client, you should remember that the attorney works for you. They are your advocate, tasked with protecting your interests and guiding you through the legal process. However, your case ultimately impacts your life, not theirs. This means you should remain invested in your case and actively participate in its direction.
While attorneys provide expertise and representation, you are the one living through the consequences of your divorce or child custody proceedings. Taking an active role helps ensure the results align with your needs and goals.
Your Role in the Process
Understand the Attorney’s Role
Your attorney’s experience and engagement can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Their role includes filing paperwork, representing you in court, and providing legal advice. However, they rely on your input, decisions, and cooperation to craft a strong case.
You likely selected your attorney based on their reputation, expertise, fees, and how comfortable you felt with them. These factors build trust, but you must also fulfill your responsibilities to support their work effectively.
Recognize Your Responsibility
Even the most skilled attorney cannot achieve the best results without your involvement. Your life circumstances, preferences, and goals shape the case’s trajectory. You must communicate, stay organized, and meet your obligations to assist your attorney in delivering the best possible representation.
How to Help Your Attorney Help You
Stay Accessible and Engaged
One of the most important ways to support your attorney is by making yourself available. While over-communication can overwhelm, disappearing after signing the contract is equally problematic. Engage consistently to stay informed and provide necessary input.
Set a Schedule for Updates
Arrange weekly updates with your attorney. These meetings, whether in person, over the phone, or via email, ensure you remain informed and can discuss developments or concerns. Even during quiet phases, maintaining communication shows your commitment.
Be Responsive
Promptly return calls or emails from your attorney. Quick responses can be critical during negotiations or when providing information that influences your case. Delays could hinder progress and affect the outcome.
Prepare for Key Stages
Some phases, such as temporary orders hearings or trial preparations, demand your full cooperation. Attend meetings, review documents, and finalize agreements promptly. Your involvement ensures the process moves forward efficiently.
Organize Yourself Beforehand
Contrary to popular belief, attorneys do not handle every detail alone. A successful case requires teamwork, and you should contribute by preparing and organizing relevant information before the case begins.
Gather Financial Documents Early
Divorces and custody cases often involve financial disclosures. Collect documents like retirement account statements, bank account details, and property titles before your case starts. This proactive approach saves time and reduces stress during discovery requests.
Consider Accessibility
If you anticipate losing access to your home during the proceedings, secure essential documents and files in advance. Upload electronic records to a cloud service to ensure you can retrieve them when needed.
Lighten Your Attorney’s Workload
Organizing your case allows your attorney to focus on legal strategies rather than administrative tasks. This benefits both you and your legal team, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
Financial Commitments Matter
Pay Your Attorney on Time
Timely payments ensure your attorney can continue working on your case without unnecessary distractions. Think of it as maintaining a deposit in an account from which your attorney draws to fund their efforts. Clear communication about fees and payment plans helps avoid misunderstandings.
Understand the Billing Process
Family law attorneys often use retainers and bill for work as it is completed. Discuss payment structures during initial consultations to set clear expectations. Most attorneys offer flexible options, so explore these if financial difficulties arise.
Be Proactive with Financial Issues
If you foresee challenges in paying fees, inform your attorney immediately. Many offices offer payment plans or solutions to accommodate clients during tough times. Open communication ensures your case progresses without unnecessary delays.
Provide Essential Information
Share All Relevant Details
Family law cases involve deeply personal and often sensitive matters. While it may feel uncomfortable to disclose unflattering details, your attorney needs a full picture to represent you effectively.
Err on the Side of Oversharing
It’s better to provide too much information than too little. Your attorney will determine what is relevant. Failing to disclose critical facts could harm your case if they surface unexpectedly during negotiations or in court.
Trust the Confidentiality
Your attorney is bound by confidentiality. They are there to advocate for you, not judge your circumstances. Honest communication ensures they can prepare for any challenges or surprises.
Avoid Surprises in Court
Holding back information, whether intentionally or accidentally, can have serious consequences. If a fact surfaces during a hearing or trial without your attorney’s knowledge, it could jeopardize their ability to respond effectively. Keep your attorney informed to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Communicating with Your Attorney’s Office
Know When and How to Contact Them
Efficient communication with your attorney and their staff ensures your case stays on track. Familiarize yourself with their preferred methods and availability. This fosters a productive working relationship.
Respect Their Time
While your case is a priority, remember that attorneys often handle multiple clients. Respect their time by organizing your questions and requests before contacting them. This approach allows for more effective and focused discussions.
Final Thoughts
Your attorney works for you, but their success relies on your cooperation. Stay engaged, organized, and proactive throughout the process. Supporting your attorney not only improves your chances of a positive outcome but also helps reduce stress during a challenging time.
If you have further questions or need guidance, contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan. Our family law attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your circumstances and provide advice tailored to your needs. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist you.
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