123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Family >> View Article

Nine Questions To Keep Your Divorce Lawyer Honest

Profile Picture
By Author: Peace Talks
Total Articles: 16
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

There is a lot of incentive for litigation attorneys to blow sunshine up your skirt and tell you what you want to hear. In that first consultation at the beginning of your case, we lawyers are, after all, salespeople. We start with an optimistic overview of your case, and it will be awhile before we start to talk to you about any potential downside.

Plus, it's human nature to decide what you want to do, and then amass evidence supporting your position and discount evidence to the contrary. So we're going to help you do that, particularly at the beginning of your case.

Let's face it, nobody wants to hear bad news. But as an informed client, you need to be prepared for whatever might happen so that you can decide how to best handle your case.

If your lawyer is being honest, he or she will answer these questions:

1. What is my best case scenario in this case?

If the Judge agreed with everything I say, and nothing that my spouse says, what do you predict the outcome to be?

2. What's my worst case scenario in this case?

If the Judge doesn't agree with anything I say, but agrees with ...
... everything my spouse says, what do you predict the outcome to be?

3. What's an optimistic, but realistic outcome?

Let's say the Judge agrees with a good part of what I have to say, and some of what my spouse has to say, what do you predict the outcome to be?

4. What's a pessimistic, but realistic outcome?

If the Judge agrees with a good part of what my spouse has to say, and only some of what I have to say, what do you predict the outcome to be?

5. Will you play devil's advocate?

Pretend for a minute that you are my spouse's attorney. What would you tell my spouse based on what you've heard today? Please do not sugar coat your "advice" to my spouse?

6. What's the local reality?

I know you can show me copies of the law and legal cases. But based on what you're seeing down at the local courthouse, in the family court mediation and custody evaluation office, with the judges, and typical lawyer to lawyer negotiations, what are the realities of settling cases and trial outcomes? As a practical matter, what really goes on?

7. Is it worth it to enforce my rights?

Can you quantify the amount of money which is in question? If I enforce all of my rights in this case, as opposed to settling for something less, how will that compare with the legal fees and experts' fees it will cost to get everything I'm entitled to?

8. What's the range of cost?

If we went to court, what is the range of cost you'd see, given your experience with prior cases similar to mine, both high and low? Are you willing to put that estimate in writing?

9. Will you put my money where your mouth is?

It sounds to me like you're pretty certain of the result you can get for me in my divorce case. Would you please put that in writing? And if you're not willing to do that, why not?

If this feels confrontational, you can feel free to print this out and hand it to your lawyer.


Diana Mercer is a Divorce Mediation Attorney Los Angeles and the founder of Peace Talks Family Mediation Services; they provide you divorce mediation, Parenting Planning and Collaborative Mediation Los Angeles, Culver City, Ladera Heights, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

Total Views: 457Word Count: 573See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Family Articles

1. 5 Signs You Need To Call The Best Plumber In Arvada Immediately
Author: Tom D'Agostino

2. Form Filling Projects With Zoetic Bpo Services: A Trusted Partnership
Author: simon

3. Make Every Family Moment Shine With A Personalized Picture Gift
Author: Crystal Crafts

4. Elder Law Firms: Guiding Seniors Through Life’s Legal Challenges
Author: Trinity Diaz

5. Virtual Rakhi: How To Celebrate Raksha Bandhan Across Borders
Author: Send Rakhi to Mumbai from MumbaiOnlineGifts

6. Caring Minds: The Vital Role Of Memory Care Service Providers In Aging Well
Author: Trinity Diaz

7. Guiding The Golden Years: The Vital Role Of Senior Placement Services
Author: Trinity Diaz

8. Securing The Golden Years: Navigating Senior Living Financial Solutions
Author: Trinity Diaz

9. Navigating Life’s Later Chapters: The Vital Role Of Elder Law Firms
Author: Trinity Diaz

10. Caring With Purpose: How Senior Care Companies Are Redefining Aging
Author: Trinity Diaz

11. Embracing Freedom And Community: The Rise Of Independent Living Communities
Author: Trinity Diaz

12. Infant Cot Mattress Australia: Choosing The Right Baby Cot Mattress For Australian Parents
Author: Milari Organics

13. ⁠boil It Before You Drink It: Water Safety Tips For The Rainy Season
Author: Elzee

14. Celebrating Father's Day In The Philippines With Some Fun Facts
Author: FlowerStore

15. How To Send Rakhi Online Without Missing The Festive Joy
Author: Send Rakhi to Hyderabad from HyderabadOnlineGifts

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: