When you hire an attorney to handle a divorce, there are questions that come up and information that you will need to understand the process. Not every consultation or conversation requires an office visit. In some cases, a quick email might address the issue. But in other cases, a phone call might be better to address more complicated issues. Let’s review a few ways that you can interact with your lawyer as you work through the divorce process.
- Establish a Communication Method
The global pandemic has impacted how many people interact with their lawyers. Many people now handle these matters remotely. An email can be the easiest way to start a conversation with your lawyer. The nature of the question might prompt a response from your lawyer in an email or as a follow-up phone conversation. For example, if there are several questions, it may make more sense for your lawyer to schedule a telephone call or video conference with you to provide the answers and respond to any additional questions that may surface. Of course, there are simple questions that can be addressed in an email exchange. But no matter the process used to address the questions, an initial email to your lawyer is a good way to start the conversation.
- Be Efficient in Your Communication
It is also a good idea to group your questions together if they relate to a single topic. For example, if your questions focus on a document that your lawyer has prepared, consider listing all your questions related to that document in a single email. This will allow your lawyer to prepare a comprehensive response that addresses the document and the questions related to it. In many cases, your lawyer will schedule a phone call to discuss the answers. When there are separate issues, you can also send those along in individual emails that might be better addressed in individual responses to each question. It’s important to be mindful to keep questions related to the same topic in one email so that your lawyer can offer more comprehensive responses. For example, on a more complicated issue such as spousal support, there are times when your lawyer’s answer might prompt another question from you. In this case, it might be more convenient for both of you to have this discussion by phone.
- Be Honest
In all correspondence and discussions with your lawyer, you should be as thorough and truthful as you can be so that they have the most information possible to assist you with your case. If your lawyer sends you a question, answer it completely and honestly. It’s best that there are no surprises that your lawyer learns about later. It’s important that you and your lawyer build a sense of trust in your communication, and they know everything related to any question they may ask so they can offer you the best representation.
For assistance with any aspect of your divorce, contact us at Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law.
