Tips That Make You A Good Divorce/Family Law Client
June 8, 2020
Have you heard this saying? “All money is not good money.” As a Divorce Lawyer, I must take my clients’ as they are. Once you’ve been selected as a Divorce/Family Law attorney, it is important to maintain a good attorney-client relationship. Potential clients can only become a client once they have retained the Lawyer’s services. This is when the attorney-client relationship becomes official. The following are tips that can help you become a “Good Divorce Client”:
- Tell your Divorce Lawyer the truth, not what you think they want to hear.
- Organize your paperwork/evidence and have copies ready for your lawyer as soon as possible.
- If your lawyer says something in a conversation or sends you a letter, legal document or email that you do not understand, please ask them to clarify.
- Make sure you read all of the texts, emails and mail sent to you.
- Respond to request for information or positions on matters as requested by the lawyer.
- Listen to the advice of your lawyer, it’s being told to you for a reason.
- Understand that almost all the work a lawyer does on your case is billable. That goes for the emails, phone calls, text messages, letters, file review and research.
- Pay your bills on time. I repeat pay your bills on time.
- Arrive to all court proceedings and meetings on time.
- Let your lawyer know if you are having any additional stressors happening in your life (i.e. death, health issues, money problems, etc.).
- Share with your lawyer who you are as a person. The story of how you see your life can assist the lawyer with representing you in family law matters.
- If your lawyer does a good job and asks you to write an online review for them, please do it. After all the hard work the lawyer put in a good written review on their google business page, facebook, or yelp helps build more business for them. Even if you just give 5 starts you are helping.
Tagged: attorneyattorney-client relationshipdivorce clientfamily law client
Custody battles can be emotionally taxing, especially in high-conflict cases. Many parents don’t realize that courts in Maryland and Washington, D.C. may appoint a Best Interest Attorney (BIA) to represent the child's needs in these disputes. If you're going through a contested custody case, understanding the role of a BIA is crucial to navigating the process effectively. What is a Best Interest Attorney? A Best Interest Attorney is a court-appointed lawyer who represents the best interests of a child in contested custody cases. Unlike a lawyer for an adult client, a BIA does not take direct instructions from the child but instead advocates for what would best serve their well-being. In Maryland and D.C., courts may assign a BIA when: Parents have significantly different views on custody arrangements. There are allegations of abuse, neglect, or parental alienation. The child’s safety and welfare are in question. There is a high level of conflict between parents, making it difficult to reach agreements. How a Best Interest Attorney Impacts Your Case A BIA plays a vital role in custody disputes. Their responsibilities may include: Investigating both parents’ living situations and relationships with the child. Interviewing the child (if appropriate) to understand their needs and concerns. Speaking with teachers, doctors, and other professionals involved in the child's life. Reviewing court documents and filings to form a well-rounded perspective. Making recommendations to the court regarding custody, visitation, and parental decision-making. It’s important to note that a BIA’s recommendations can significantly influence the court’s final decision. Judges rely on these attorneys to provide an unbiased assessment of the child's best interests. Should You Request a Best Interest Attorney? If you’re facing a contentious custody battle, you may wonder whether requesting a BIA is beneficial. In some cases, the court may appoint one without a parent’s request. However, if you believe your child’s well-being is at stake, speaking with your own family law attorney about requesting a BIA could be a strategic move. How to Work With a Best Interest Attorney If a BIA has been assigned to your case, you can: Cooperate fully during the investigation. Provide documentation and references that highlight your parenting capabilities. Avoid negative comments about the other parent, as BIAs look for evidence of co-parenting cooperation. Work closely with your child custody lawyer to ensure your case is presented effectively. Understanding the role of a Best Interest Attorney in Maryland and Washington, D.C. child custody cases can help you make informed decisions during your legal journey. If you're dealing with a high-conflict custody dispute, having an experienced family law attorney in Rockville, MD or Washington DC can make all the difference. If you need legal guidance, contact The Law Office of Cherise L. Williams today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help protect your rights—and your child’s future.
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