When going through a divorce it is normal to feel that things are out of your control. It can be helpful to take some constructive action in helping your attorney prepare your case. Here are some proactive things that you can do.
- Answer calls and emails from your attorney promptly.
- When your attorney or the legal staff have a question for you, read/listen carefully and answer the entire question.
- Return all questionnaires and discovery answers to your attorney promptly and be as complete and truthful as possible in your answers
- Schedule an appointment with the attorney (or paralegal) when necessary. Come to the meeting on time and ready to work.
- Look at the preparation as an opportunity to contribute as a valuable member of “your team”, rather than being angry and resentful about it.
- Focus on the present rather than the past or the future (“How can I prepare now in the best and most efficient way possible?” rather than “So many years wasted” or “How am I going to feel in the courtroom?”)
- Organizing your thoughts and paperwork, being honest, and having the right attitude can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case.
- Being a “team player” with your attorney may save you legal fees. If you present your lawyer with complete answers and organized documents the staff and attorney will not have to spend time puzzling through them. Stay focused on the task at hand and use your preparation time with your attorney wisely.
- Make sure that you are able to be reached and check your phone messages and email frequently.
- Be honest with your attorney about your fears and your strengths.
