When you hire a lawyer to represent you through a divorce, you’re forming a team. You and your lawyer will be on that team, as will staff members at the law firm, and your personal support circles. Together, you’ll work to achieve the best possible outcome to what is usually a very difficult situation. However, if the efforts of the team are going to succeed, there are a few things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
-
Keep the endgame in mind:
Determine what you want the divorce process and outcome to look like for you and your family members. And yes, we mean right at the beginning, before you even start the process. Having a concept of what direction you hope to take, and what the end goal is, will help tremendously in starting both you and your lawyer off on the same page. When both of you are working toward the same goals, the process is infinitely more streamlined. Later, discuss your goals with your divorce lawyer. Most of us here in Oakland County appreciate knowing what are clients are aiming for.
-
Hire the right lawyer:
You need to be able to be entirely upfront with your divorce lawyer during the course of your divorce, and in order to do that you need to be able to trust them. Select a divorce attorney who listens to you and shares your goals. Never hire a member of your spouse’s family or one of their friends to represent you. Even mutual friends have significant conflicts of interest, and will not be able to represent you properly.
-
Be open and honest with your lawyer:
Your lawyer is going to need a lot of information from you, covering a wide range of topics from financial and legal information to personal and private information. Don’t hold back or lie to your family law attorney;, they are not there to judge you but to help you. However, your lawyer cannot properly assist you if they don’t have all the information they need. Always be honest.
-
Your lawyer is your legal representative.
They have a vested interest in making sure that you are properly advised and represented during your divorce. They are not, however, your therapist. Calling your lawyer to vent your frustrations or complain about your spouse will waste their time and cost you money. Remember, you are being charged for their services and that includes their time.
-
Your lawyer is a professional.
This means that they have an obligation to be honest with you, even if the news is bad. You have a right to expect that they will return your phone calls in a timely fashion, keep you updated to any changes in the proceedings, and explain all of your options to you right from the start.
Remember that a team works together. In order to achieve the desired results, everyone involved will need to be honest, realistic, and work hard within the boundaries of their given role. Even a divorce, which can be painful and stressful for everyone, can have a successful outcome in the end.
So if you or a loved one are considering divorce here in Oakland County, or need help with a family law issue like child custody, paternity or alimony, we are here to help. Our skilled family law attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you and your loved ones work through your difficulties. Call (248) 479-6200 to speak with a skilled attorney today. We’re here to help! Our Oakland County office is conveniently located in Farmington Hills.