One of the most important aspects of your case is the relationship with your attorney. Your attorney has many responsibilities to you, and if he or she is not satisfying these obligations, you should seek a second opinion from another attorney.
What are some of the fundamental obligations of a divorce attorney? First, he or she should assist you in identifying discrete objectives. These objectives will frame the manner in which your case progresses. Identifying your goals early in the divorce process makes them easier to achieve. You should be ready to participate in crafting strategies and in the decision-making process.
Next, your attorney should ensure that your spouse’s financial disclosures are accurate. This is not always an easy task, and a responsible attorney will conduct robust discovery to verify that your spouse’s disclosures are complete and accurate. Likewise, your attorney must also prepare accurate financial disclosures on your behalf.
Additionally, your attorney must prepare you well for depositions and court proceedings. This means they should review your testimony beforehand, and also review the questions that may be asked of you by opposing counsel. Proper preparation leads to better results and a less stressful experience for you.
Lastly, your attorney should educate you about the legal process and the law applicable to your case, so that you may make informed decisions. You cannot make the best decisions unless you understand the system and rules that govern your divorce.
If you attorney isn’t doing all of these things, you should consider getting a second opinion from new counsel. A second opinion can provide you with confirmation that your attorney is providing proper and appropriate representation, or it can provide the impetus for change if this is not the case.
PARRINO|SHATTUCK, PC is often asked to provide legal advice to individuals seeking a second opinion concerning their divorce, and to serve as rescue counsel for clients who identify that their interests may be best served by a change in counsel. Our firm assists clients in resolving their divorce through negotiated settlements and litigated disputes utilizing sophisticated solutions and strategies, depending upon the individual needs of each client as identified by the client working in conjunction with their attorney.
