Knowing what your family law attorney can and cannot do for you will help you use them and their services wisely. It will also help you develop and guide your case in a way that reflects the best interests of you and your child. Here are 16 things your attorney can do:
1. They can suggest and prepare the strategy for your case.
2. Help you keep in touch with your children.
3. Identify and determine which are the real threats of the opposition and which are the empty threats.
4. Identify which of your concerns are valid and how best to address them.
5. Educate you about the realities of divorce and custody.
6. Summons and declaration of witnesses.
7. Advance claims that are in your best interest.
8. Answer the communications received from the opposing attorney.
9. Argue motions.
10. Respond to brief communications appropriately.
11. Assess challenges and responses.
12. Advise you on changing options.
13. Prepare and present your case at trial.
14. Request a court-appointed attorney for your child.
15. Apply your experience when dealing with a judge, attorneys, or other judicial experts.
16. Keep your losses low.
With that said, here is a list of things your attorney cannot do for you:
1. Guarantee the results you will receive.
2. Punish your ex for everything you’ve endured.
3. Handle anything that is outside the scope of your agreement.
4. Protect yourself from the truth.
5. Win custody for yourself when you are not a good parent.
6. Change the attitude of the court professionals involved in your case.
7. Get everything you want.
8. Start a legal battle without being paid the initial advance and punctual payments at all times.
9. Accept anything you say to them without skepticism.
The important thing to remember is that you are in charge of your custody case. It is up to you to use your attorney and other members to their ability. Remember, they are an expensive tool. Knowing what they can and cannot do will help keep your legal costs down.
