subject: New York Divorce Attorney: Finding a True Client Advocate [print this page] The complexity of the divorce process makes ending a marriage more difficult to deal with. Aside from the emotional stress of dealing with the issues of child custody, support, and division of assets, understanding the intricacies of the legal process is grueling. In this context, it is a necessity to find a divorce attorney who will not only guide you through the divorce process but, more importantly, will ensure that your rights are safeguarded in a fair manner.
Competence is not the sole factor to consider when finding a New York divorce attorney. Just because a lawyer is skillful does not mean he or she is the right lawyer for you. A New York divorce lawyer should possess distinct qualities that make him or her a client advocate in its truest essence.
Speaks in a Straightforward Manner
A good divorce lawyer is truthful about your chances in obtaining an outcome on a certain issue. That lawyer should also be able to tell you if you are doing something wrong or if you are wasting your time. Just because a client wants something does not mean that it is the best thing to do.
While some clients get disappointed when they find out that their divorce lawyer will not do everything that they are told, this is just the right divorce lawyer that you should choose. Remember that you are paying good money for that divorce lawyer and you certainly deserve to get the best advice and not just what you want to hear.
Familiar with the Field
Your divorce lawyer does not have the ability to predict the future. Likewise, he or she cannot always foresee how a certain issue will be decided. However, your lawyer should have sufficient experience with the judge, with the New York legal system, and with the other attorneys to judiciously evaluate the probabilities.
Focuses on Important Issues
A true client advocate should be willing to tell a client if an issue is not an important matter to prioritize in the greater scheme of things and that the client should save his or her money for more significant issues. For instance, in the context of child custody issues, a lawyer who pursues arguments in court about whether a bicycle should be in the mother's home or the father's home will not be a valuable topic in dealing with the more essential issues of where the child should be.
Trustworthy
Sometimes, people think the best divorce lawyer is the one who is the most aggressive and who has the most extensive experience. Although, this may be true, a client should also consider looking for a lawyer who will provide you with all your available options and not pressure you to be adversarial just to get what you want. Remember that a more contentious divorce will cost you increased bitterness and expense.
A Problem Solver
If the divorce lawyer you are considering simply talks in terms of winning and losing, look for another lawyer. In essence, each person going through a divorce suffers some loss. What you should look for is a lawyer who works to identify the problems and solves those problems. Solutions may be sought by counseling, patience, mediation, or a possible trial before a judge. All possible options should be considered.
New York Divorce Attorney: Finding a True Client Advocate
