What are the most important questions to ask a divorce attorney?
What are the most important questions to ask a divorce attorney?
Ten Questions to Ask a Divorce Attorney
- Do you specialize in divorces, or are divorces just a part of your practice?
- What is your strategy for my case?
- How long do you take to return phone calls?
- Will anyone else in your office be working on my case?
- How will you charge me?
What can I expect at my first divorce lawyer?
What to Expect From Your First Meeting: During your initial consultation with a matrimonial attorney, expect the attorney to provide you with an overview of what to anticipate relative to at least the following five issues: (1) the divorce process, (2) matters pertaining to any minor children of the marriage, (3) …
How far back does Discovery go in a divorce?
three years
Is everything you tell a lawyer confidential?
Under attorney-client privilege, a lawyer cannot present confidential communications with a client in court as evidence without that client’s express consent. For lawyers, attorney-client privilege is a core concept that enables them to do their jobs by providing clients the assurance of privacy.
Can your lawyer snitch on you?
Attorney-Client Privilege – Your attorney is bound by the ethics of the legal profession not to reveal whatever you tell him without your permission. The only times this doesn’t apply is if you: Waive your right to privilege, which means you give the lawyer permission to disclose information.
Can a good lawyer get you out of anything?
However no lawyer can get you out of anything if the evidence is solid. At best they can reduce the sentence by arguing mitigating circumstances. Or they have to get evidence thrown out. If you’re guilty, the prosecutor will bring that evidence, and your lawyer has to have a defense.
Do defense lawyers know the truth?
Your Lawyer’s Opinion In truth, the defense lawyer almost never really knows whether the defendant is guilty of a charged crime. Instead, the lawyer uses the facts to put on the best defense possible and leaves the question of guilt to the judge or jury.
How often should I hear from my attorney?
Once a month is a good rule of thumb if things are slow, but if you are preparing for trial or in my case an administrative benefits hearing, the contact with you and your attorney should be more frequent and specifically scheduled.
How do I know if my lawyer is bad?
Here are five signs to let you know if you have hired a bad lawyer.
- 1) There’s No Connection.
- 2) There’s a Lack of Communication.
- 3) The Lawyer Has No Enthusiasm for Your Case.
- 4) The Lawyer Has Sketchy Billing Practices.
- 5) The Lawyer Seems Incompetent.
- What Do You Do Next If You Hired a Bad Lawyer?
What should you not do in court?
Here are four things you should never do.
- Don’t show up late. On the day of your hearing, it’s very important to arrive early.
- Don’t use your phone. You will not be able to use your phone, computer or any other device in the courtroom.
- Don’t interrupt.
- Don’t be afraid to ask.
Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?
Many times your lawyer will not know anything new about your case during the first 30 days, but that doesn’t mean they have not worked on your file. If you don’t hear from your attorney, it is because nothing new has happened or they don’t have an update yet. If they are unhappy, then the lawyer will be unhappy.
Can I fire my lawyer and hire a new one?
A new attorney should be hired prior to firing your current attorney. You should also terminate the legal relationship with your current attorney in writing and notify the court of any changes in representation.
How do I know if my lawyer is cheating me?
Warning signs of a dishonest lawyer
- The attorney does not return phone calls in a reasonable amount of time, and;
- In a meeting with the client, if the lawyer is being very short, taking phone calls, trying to re-schedule, not giving enough time to the client, does not listen, ignores what is asked or is not answering questions.
What do I do if my attorney will not return my calls?
Lawyers: A Client’s Manual by Joseph McGinn tells the steps to use if you’ve reached the point of no return:
- Tell your lawyer directly and give your reasons.
- Send your lawyer a letter of dismissal and retain a copy.
- Arrange to pay any outstanding charges.
- Pick up the file as soon as possible.
- Select another lawyer.
What do I do if I’m not happy with my lawyer?
If your lawyer is unwilling to address your complaints, consider taking your legal affairs to another lawyer. You can decide whom to hire (and fire) as your lawyer. However, remember that when you fire a lawyer, you may be charged a reasonable amount for the work already done.
What can I do if my lawyer is not doing his job?
If your lawyer doesn’t seem to be working on your case, sending a polite but firm letter laying out your concerns should get your lawyer’s attention. Don’t threaten to file a malpractice lawsuit or complain to the bar association; such threats will probably make your lawyer angry and defensive, not attentive.
Why do lawyers not call back?
If a lawyer will not return your phone call, then that may indicate that he is neglecting the legal matter that you have entrusted to him. If so, then you may want to retain another attorney. Any new attorney may wish to see the file.
How long should you wait for a lawyer to call you back?
This is a question that despite its simplicity touches on many aspects of your relationship to your lawyer. A simple answer is that it is discourteous for lawyers to keep you waiting for a return call for more than 24 hours.
