You’re sitting down with a large Los Angeles firm. A senior lawyer in the divorce section is talking you through your case and discussing the possibility of representing you in your divorce or family law case. Along with other potential concerns, such as child custody, you might also have a portfolio of assets and property that you want to safeguard.
Don’t be hasty to sign up: after all, you will possibly be relying on this law firm to protect your future.
There are many responsible Los Angeles divorce lawyer professionals who are sincerely committed to their clients predicament and who are highly skilled to represent you in any of your divorce or family law concerns. Not all lawyers meet this standard, unfortunately Here are some warning signs to consider when you are first engaging an attorney.
1. Inattentive or In a Hurry
Ending a marriage is not the goal of the process per se. A competent Los Angeles divorce lawyer’s goals should be to guide you safely and confidently into the next stage of your life. That’s difficult to do if they don’t take the time to learn about your concerns and your objectives.
In your initial consultation your potential divorce lawyer should not only be learning about your case but also paying attention to your emotional signs and financial concerns. What are your goals for the future, immediate and long-term? For example, if you are willing to negotiate on the division of property but you are unwilling to share child custody, then your attorney should be able to articulate these goals before you make any sort of offer to the other party.
2. Inaccessible
It doesn’t matter how talented, smart, or engaging your attorney is if he / she is unavailable to you.
Family law is deeply personal, and it’s common for you to have questions or concerns. When you need answers, the Los Angeles divorce attorneys you choose should be able to provide you with guidance. If you find that you are waiting for days to get a response, it’s a sign that your attorney doesn’t have the right commitment to your case.
3. Uncompromising
Let’s tease this apart a bit. It’s expected that your attorney will protect your legal rights, especially if you are battling over an issue that may threaten the well-being of your children or that will hinder your future.
What’s not okay is an attorney who doesn’t advise you about which battles to avoid. Los Angeles divorce attorneys who are unyielding in their demands cost their clients time and money in legal fees. They also risk the final outcome in a trial setting.