Whether you want to hire an attorney or want to do-it-yourself consult an attorney immediately when you or your spouse begin to think about a divorce. Avoid attorney's Mr. Radoff calls "Milk Men". Those are attorneys who milk your estate with large fees but nothing seems to get done.
You can avoid the "Milk Men" by taking control of your matter. Mr. Radoff offers you his Divorce Checklist so you will learn what areas your matter may consist of and be able to ask questions about your cases progress. (click here to order) Link this to the secure ordering page.
Mr. Radoff offers a phone consultation for just $39.95 per call charged to your bank or credit card. After 32 years of practice and over 1000 divorce cases he is sure this is an opportunity you cannot match. Just call him at: (800) 595-2948.
Over 80% of all divorce matters in the California courts are persons who want to handle their matter without an attorney.
Information is the key to knowing what to do and when. So, even if you want to represent yourself know what to expect and how to deal with it by consulting an attorney.
Most attorneys will charge you for an office consultation. The price ranges from $175 to $350 for an hour of the attorney's time. It usually will be the best investment you can make so attend the meeting prepared.
Attend the meeting with prepared questions, research, read books and know what questions you want answered. Remember that advice from friends is usually not accurate for your particular situation.
If you have the funds to hire an attorney find out up front what the costs will run. An attorney most likely will want a substantial retainer fee up front, which he will apply to his or her hourly fee. The retainer usually run from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the complexity of your matter and the amount or worth of your estate. Know that a retainer is just an advanced fee and is usually quickly used up when you include attorney fees and costs.
As the retainer is used up the attorney will ask you for additional funds. If you do not pay him or her he will ask the court to be relieved from representing your interest any further.
Do not make the mistake of hiring one attorney after another. An experienced attorney will not take your case if he has to clean up another attorney's mess. This would also expose him to a potential claim for malpractice which no attorney will knowing accept.
Also, do not forget to ask if the attorney you are thinking of hiring has any conflict of interest with your spouse or any of his or her businesses.
In addition to pay for attorney fees there are usually costs of litigation. Filing fees, depositions costs, messenger costs, postage, photo copying, investigation fees...well you get the idea, divorces are expensive when properly handled by an experienced attorney.
An attorney is required to provide you with a retainer agreement. Make sure you understand all of its terms and conditions and that you get a copy.
Also, make sure you get copies of all correspondence and copies of all court paperwork.
To keep the fees of any attorney as low as possible mediation is the key. The more you and your spouse disagree the more you both need mediation. Mediation requires the consent of both parties. If one party does not consent to voluntary mediation then know you have bought the E-ticket at Disneyland because you are in for a ride that includes lots of costs and attorney fees.
You should expect your attorney to fight competently and be zealous about your interests. He should keep you informed about the progress or lack of progress in your matter. He should provide you with clear answers to your questions and someone from his office should return your phone call within 24 hours if he or she is unavailable.
To get the most out of your attorney follow these suggestions:
Be on time for all appointments or cancel in advance and reschedule
Always bring the information requested with you to his office
Write out questions you want answered before calling or visiting his office
Listen and write down what your attorney tells you
Limit your discussions to your legal rights and issues. Remember that you are paying for your attorney's time.
Do not rely on your attorney for emotional counseling. Seek professional assistance, friends, family and support groups for emotional assistance.
Know that your attorney's services can be terminated at anytime by him or at your request. When his employment is terminated your attorney must provide you with at least a copy of your file (this will be at your expense-up to $.50 per page), refund all unused fees, costs and you should ask for a court schedule, if there is one of upcoming future court dates.
To avoid any delays in your matter your attorney will ask you to sign a substitution of attorney's form. He or she cannot force you to sign this form but if you do not he or she will file a motion to be relieved as your attorney of record with the court and seek attorney fees and costs for forcing him to do this. Knowing this your new attorney may not want to handle your matter. Give that your consideration.
Your attorney cannot withhold providing you with your file because you owe him money or because you are refusing to sign a substitution of attorney form. However, your attorney will need some time to copy your file before he provides it to you. You are also entitled to have all original documents returned with your file. Don't forget to ask for them.
If you are dissatisfied with your attorney tell him or her so that you can attempt to work out your disagreement. Do not let your dissatisfaction linger. Your attorney wants your business and wants satisfied clients that will refer him other cases. Try and work your issues out together.
If you need assistance just call Mr. Radoff's office at: (800) 595-2948
to set up an in office appointment. You may also receive a phone consultation for which Mr. Radoff charges $39.95 charged to your bank or credit card
For more information order Mr. Radoff's Divorce Checklist now! (click
here) |