family law attorney in los angeles

You want three things in your divorce attorney: expertise in divorce, reliability and a good attitude. You want a lawyer who specializes in divorce (at least 50% of cases), and unless you expect a no-show is time-barred battle, you want a divorce lawyer in the mediation process, which is professional. Mediation-minded attorneys enter more neutral and problem-solving advice, whereas traditional lawyers are generally more conflicts and their advice rather adversarial. Your lawyer is someone you can trust and work with comfortably, someone who has your confidence.

If you have found the right lawyer, here are some tips on how to contact an attorney in a way to make your divorce as smoothly and inexpensively as possible.

With an effective lawyer. The most important thing is to be very well prepared when you contact a lawyer. Know your facts, know what you want, ask and know exactly what you want the lawyer to explain or do for you. Plan each conversation, a diary, write down the things you want to talk about, taking notes on the content of the interview, keep the time for all calls and meetings. Keep a file for all your notes and all letters and documents. As far as possible on the phone and by e-mail to the office time to a minimum.

What your attorney as a resource and not someone you cling to or depend on for emotional support and stability. A lawyer is not the right person to make your decisions or lead your life - you are. Lawyers cost too much for you to use them for sympathy and consolation - that is what family, friends and advisors are for.

If you talk to a lawyer, to the facts and not just to chat, walk, or complain about things your spouse has, unless you really want your lawyer to do something about it. Do not take your anger to an attorney, you want your best interests are represented, not your emotions.

The control of your situation. Since the control over your situation and your own life is the best thing you can do in a divorce, it is important that you are a lawyer who can cheerfully on that basis. If you are well prepared and how companies that will help to ensure that the lawyer that you are in the things that you could even say that how you want it. Parts of attorney that you do well and rely on the experience of the lawyer, but that you expect to make decisions that set the tone and strategy of the case. Ask that copies of all documents and letters. Let the attorney know that you expect calls to be answered by the next business day. These small things can a lawyer know that you are the boss. Because you pay the bills.

With a lawyer for specific tasks. Instead of hiring a lawyer for a divorce, it can be far cheaper, the lawyer for information or advice on specific topics. This can be any legal assistance you need. If not, you can always return for more help later. After you have organized all the facts and see how the law in your case if you have any questions about the law or what the results are expected in your area, write all your questions and ask a lawyer.

You can decide to employ a lawyer to help your marital agreement, either to draft one or just to check on you yourself have made. If you or confused at any point in your divorce, this is a good time to go for help. The more specific and can be prepared, the more your money.

My book Divorce Solutions: How to Divorce Better explains the process of divorce, so you can be well informed, and is full of information to help you get organized and prepared before you have a lawyer. It includes worksheets to help themselves, all the information together. You can also find lots of practical advice for dealing with your emotions during divorce, and an example of a marriage agreement which will help you to create your own. See www.nolodivorce.com.

Copyright 2005 Ed Sherman

Ed Sherman is a family attorney, divorce expert and founder of Nolo Press. He started the self-help law movement in 1971 when he was the first edition of How to Do Your Own Divorce, and founded the paralegal industry in 1973. With more than one million books sold, Ed has an audience in the billions, while the legal costs of divorce go more smoothly and easily for millions of readers. You can http://www.nolodivorce.com from his books or by calling (800) 464-5502.