| You have heard it said many times. For any | | | | this-that you need to communicate with your attorney. |
| relationship to flourish the parties involved ought to | | | | But communication is a two way process. The |
| communicate, to relate their ideas and feelings. The | | | | attorney-client relationship will not work well unless the |
| relationship you have with your lawyer takes no | | | | attorney also communicates. More pointedly, your |
| exception. Only that your attorney works for you. | | | | attorney must respond to your communications. |
| Presented here is a brief guide on how to | | | | Otherwise there is no point in you communicating in the |
| appropriately interact with your attorney. | | | | first place. You deserve answers. You deserve to |
| General principles first: Make your mind known on any | | | | know what is going on. A good attorney will keep you |
| and every material issue. After all, it's your case-your | | | | up to speed on all details relevant to your case through |
| life. Remember, however, that the attorney is not a | | | | regular communication and by timely responding to |
| rubber stamp, merely, but has expert knowledge that | | | | your questions and concerns. |
| can advantage you in legal proceedings. You should | | | | So be on the lookout when you visit an attorney for |
| thus be willing not only to compromise but to trust, to | | | | an initial consultation. Face to face communication is |
| trust that your attorney seeks the best possible | | | | the only way to establish rapport; this is how you |
| outcome for you. | | | | decide whether you are going to retain a particular |
| The question now arises: how does one build this | | | | attorney or not. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Take |
| trust? Well, try calling your attorney every now and | | | | notes if you have to. Bear in mind that the person |
| then. Ask for updates on progress made and inquire | | | | before you could the one to see you through a time |
| on the general strategy being used to argue your | | | | among the most difficult times in your life, be it divorce, |
| case. True, you don't have to call everyday, but do call. | | | | child custody, or any other family dispute. You wanted |
| Email, and fax too, can accomplish the same goal. | | | | a trusted partner in these critical moments. Choose an |
| Even snail mail will do. Of course, which mode of | | | | attorney who understands you and has your best |
| communication you ultimately choose will depend on | | | | interests at heart. |
| the urgency of your concerns. The point here is | | | | |