Page 21 - Demo

DIVORCE LAWYERS / ATTORNEYS ARTICLE: A SOLID RELATIONSHIP
If you haven’t paid your bills because you think it’s unfair, speak to your lawyer about it. “If there is a mistake on the bill, the lawyer will usually be quick to correct it,” says Lee Goodman, a professional mediator and arbitrator in Northbrook, IL If you aren’t satis ed after talking to your lawyer, Goodman suggests asking the judge in your case to review the bill. Another possible avenue is your local bar association; nd out if they offer mediation or arbitration programs to settle fee disputes. Beverly Pekala is a Chicago based attorney and the author of Don’t Settle for Less: A Woman’s Guide to Getting a Fair Divorce and Custody Settlement. In her book, she lists ve golden rules for being a good client. Here’s a synopsis:
Rule 1: Rule 2: Rule 3: Rule 4: Rule 5:
Everything is not an emergency; your lawyer is not on call 24 hours a day.
Your lawyer is not a psychologist.
Communicate honestly with your lawyer.
This is not z. Law - don’t expect your lawyer to do something just because you saw it on TV. Your lawyer didn’t create and can’t change the system.
According to Pekala, “Failure to follow these rules may result in your lawyer ‘ ring’ you. Just as you can discharge your lawyer, your attorney can choose to stop representing you and withdraw from your case. This usually happens if you fail to communicate with your lawyer or consistently fail to follow her advice. It may also occur if you cannot or will not pay your bill.”
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR LAWYER
From the day you hire him or her, you and your attorney should have a clear understanding of what you will need and expect from each other. Ask for a written agreement that details the terms and length of your attorney-client relationship. If he or she won’t provide one, nd another lawyer.
After learning about your case, your lawyer should create a strategy for your divorce. Be aware that this plan may have to change along the way depending on what your ex and his or her attorney does.
Your lawyer should clearly explain all your options (again, these may change as your divorce progresses), offer advice regarding the best paths to follow, but respect your wishes if you strongly disagree with a course of action. If you nd yourself in constant disagreement with your lawyer, either you’ve chosen the wrong person to represent you or you’re being unreasonable.
Take a close look at your motivations and actions to see if you’re refusing your lawyer’s advice for purely emotional reasons: for instance, you might be very angry with your spouse, and your attorney’s suggestion doesn’t satisfy your desire for vengeance.
Recognize that even a good attorney will sometimes have bad news for you: that your spouse won’t budge on an important issue; that you’ll have to give him or her money or other assets; or simply that your expectations are unrealistic, illegal, or not nancially feasible.
You should expect your attorney to return phone calls reasonably promptly (24 hours is reasonable if he/ she’s not on vacation), and to consult you before taking any major actions concerning your divorce.
You should also expect to feel frustrated or disappointed from time to time as your divorce progresses. Don’t take it out on your attorney! He or she isn’t a magician and can’t always pull a great solution out of his/her metaphorical hat.
Finally, if you want to ensure that your divorce agreement re ects your goals - and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg - then stay involved with the process, answering your attorney’s requests promptly, honestly, and completely.
MACDONALD & PARTNERS LLP