What are my responsibilities as a client?

As a client, you have the following responsibilities:

1. Listen to and follow my advice. Use your family and friends for emotional support, not legal advice. Everyone has divorce stories and advice, but no one else know the legal ramifications in your case.
2. Open communication. This means tell me the truth. Period. I need to be prepared to defend all of your actions, particularly in a custody case. It is much better to be proactive, not reactive.
3. If there are children involved, your goal is to get through this process with as little disruption to you and your children’s lives as possible, and to provide them with stability. To that end, is imperative that you do not use illegal drugs (whether or not your children are with you); if you drink, drink sparingly; and do not date during the divorce process. It is much easier for you and your children in the long run. Doing any of these complicates matters, increases your attorney fees and drags out the process.
4. I am ethically prohibited from representing both you and your spouse. If you and your spouse have agreed on everything, I may be able to process the paperwork, but I will represent only one of you. If you and your spouse disagree later, I will continue to represent only you.
5. Pay your bill every month. I cannot continue to represent you if you do not pay your bill pursuant to the fee agreement you signed. For your convenience, credit cards are accepted. No exceptions will be made. Keep me apprised of all new contact information.