Talking with Your Divorce Lawyer: What Does He or She Really Need to Know?
Although the conversations between you and your divorce attorney are privileged, they can still be very uncomfortable for you. This stranger is digging into your personal life and asking you questions that you may not feel comfortable answering. If the answers to those difficult questions weren't necessary to provide you with the best possible service, he or she wouldn't be asking them, so you will have to find it within yourself to answer them. Here are a few thoughts that can help you determine just how far to go with your answers and take as much of the discomfort out of the process as possible.
How will the answer improve your case?
As you think about how to respond to the question, ask yourself if what you are about to say will actually help to improve the outcome of the case. There is no need to sit in front of the lawyer and tell him or her about every horrible thing that your spouse has done to make him or her look bad. Instead, limit your answers to things that could actually help to prove your case. If the incident you are considering sharing won't help the outcome, keep it to yourself.
Does your lawyer really need to know what you are about to say?
So you let loose and tell your lawyer everything that has gone wrong in the marriage to lead to this divorce, but have you told him or her the most important pieces of information that are needed for the best representation? Things like changes in your address, the status of your employment, or any changes in your children's lives all need to be shared with your lawyer. Your lawyer will need this information to properly prepare for your case.
Does the lawyer know the not-so-good things you may have done?
Your spouse will be sharing with his or her attorney the things that you may have done to cause the marriage to fail. Whether you agree with the claims or not, you must provide your lawyer with the information that your spouse will be providing to his or hers. You don't want your attorney to be blindsided with these claims in front of the judge. Filling the lawyer in will help him or her build a defense against those claims.
The many conversations that you must have with your lawyer won't be comfortable, but they are necessary. Keep the preceding tips in mind as you discuss your case and limit your answers to only the things that can be helpful in providing you with the best outcome possible. For further advice, contact a representative from a firm like Blumenauer Hackworth.
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