The quality of the attorney-client relationship in a divorce case is of the utmost importance to achieving a favorable result for the client. Keeping that relationship high quality requires give and take by both the Charleston divorce attorney and the client. Follow these rules to help keep your costs down and improve the results of your case.
1) Tell your Charleston divorce attorney the truth.
You cannot be helped by someone who does not have all the facts or who has the wrong facts. The very last thing you want to see is your lawyer embarrassed, for you or by you, in the courtroom. Such impressions are very difficult to erase.
2) Extend the same courtesies that you wish to have for yourself
Everyone has emergencies (some business, some personal), so anticipate that from time to time. Be as understanding as you can be, and expect the same in return.
3) Complete and return necessary documents in a timely fashion.
There are reasons why certain documents or forms are required, and reasons why they are due in a particular timeframe. Accept your lawyer’s advice or directions on such matters.
4) Don’t try to hide things.
It is not helpful to anyone (see#1 above). Everyone has ups and downs, good days and bad days, days when we do things we aren’t all that proud of. These things happen, and they are most easily dealt with when your lawyer has been told all about them.
5) Give notice if you need to cancel or postpone an appointment.
This courtesy should likewise be extended to you.
6) Don’t expect your Charleston divorce attorney to have to deal with a mountain of social media on your behalf.
Stop all that posting and texting and tweeting – you are creating a very difficult paper trail. Whatever already exists, print it out and share it with your lawyer. Again, surprises are very difficult to handle.
7) Be as complete as you can be when deciding who will be/is a potential witness in your case.
Provide names and full contact information for those persons you may know have something to contribute to the facts of your case – whether for good or for bad. A potentially harmful witness may be minimized with the proper attention prior to a hearing but, one way or another, you only help yourself and your lawyer when you identify all potential witnesses and what they may say.
8) Accept your attorney’s advice on how to conduct yourself in the courtroom
This includes how to dress for court, how to respond when addressed by a judge, how to treat your spouse’s attorney, and many other details. Judges notice.
9) Share your concerns with your Charleston divorce attorney.
He or she needs to know what you are thinking and how things impact you.
10) Help your attorney help you.
Search out information, provide information, share your thoughts, follow up with tasks. All that you do to be of assistance is helpful to your case. If you don’t feel that you are participating as you would like, ask your attorney and give him/her chance to be more inclusive.
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