If you're like most people, going through the dissolution of a marriage isn't something you do on a regular basis. Because of this, you probably aren't sure what to expect out of your divorce lawyer. If your only frame of reference comes from Hollywood, you could be disappointed. At the same time, however, it may be better to expect too much from your attorney than to not expect enough. You're probably paying a fortune in fees, so you deserve to see a return on that investment. If you aren't getting it, you might need to think about finding someone else. Here are some of the things you should expect from your legal representation.
A Plan
Not every split is going to be contentious, turning the courtroom into a battleground. But even if you're going through the most amicable split in history, you should expect your divorce lawyer to have a plan. This plan could include no more than setting dates to meet with your spouse's attorney and discuss the finalization of the settlement or it could be as extensive as drawing up complex strategies that will help you get what you want out of the case. Either way, you should never feel as though your attorney is just "winging it".
He Should Know What's There
This is partially on the divorce lawyer and partially on the client, but you should make sure your attorney knows about every asset that could be relevant to the proceedings. This includes extensive financial documents, children, property holdings, pensions, income, and so forth. All of these will be material to the case, so if he isn't aware of them, it could damage your case substantially. If you have no intention to fight for these things, you can tell him that. Nevertheless, it should be a matter of record so your attorney knows exactly what he's dealing with and can make the appropriate recommendations.
Communication
One of the most important traits a divorce lawyer can display is an expertise in communication. This is important for three reasons. One, he must be able to communicate with you, his client. Without an open line of communication, he could wind up taking the case in a direction you aren't comfortable with. Two, he must be able to talk with the opposing attorneys, keeping the line open to a possible settlement. Settlements are almost always preferable to a trial. They are less expensive and less painful. Three, he must be able to speak well in court. A jury isn't going to be convinced by an attorney who is stumbling over his words. Communication in an attorney is a must have.
A Plan
Not every split is going to be contentious, turning the courtroom into a battleground. But even if you're going through the most amicable split in history, you should expect your divorce lawyer to have a plan. This plan could include no more than setting dates to meet with your spouse's attorney and discuss the finalization of the settlement or it could be as extensive as drawing up complex strategies that will help you get what you want out of the case. Either way, you should never feel as though your attorney is just "winging it".
He Should Know What's There
This is partially on the divorce lawyer and partially on the client, but you should make sure your attorney knows about every asset that could be relevant to the proceedings. This includes extensive financial documents, children, property holdings, pensions, income, and so forth. All of these will be material to the case, so if he isn't aware of them, it could damage your case substantially. If you have no intention to fight for these things, you can tell him that. Nevertheless, it should be a matter of record so your attorney knows exactly what he's dealing with and can make the appropriate recommendations.
Communication
One of the most important traits a divorce lawyer can display is an expertise in communication. This is important for three reasons. One, he must be able to communicate with you, his client. Without an open line of communication, he could wind up taking the case in a direction you aren't comfortable with. Two, he must be able to talk with the opposing attorneys, keeping the line open to a possible settlement. Settlements are almost always preferable to a trial. They are less expensive and less painful. Three, he must be able to speak well in court. A jury isn't going to be convinced by an attorney who is stumbling over his words. Communication in an attorney is a must have.