Six Tips for Communicating with a Seattle Divorce Lawyer

A successful divorce starts with the right attorney, but even a skilled legal advocate needs the right information to handle your case. Communication is the most important factor in a positive attorney-client relationship. Divorce may be one of the toughest challenges you encounter, so it is important to make sure that your lawyer has all of the information he/she needs to protect your rights, family, and future.

We provide tips on how to work with your divorce attorney and facilitate positive communication:

Always Ask Questions.

• If you are seeking a divorce, you probably have a lot of questions. If you are unsure of anything during the divorce process, don't hesitate to ask. Whether you are confused about your state's divorce law or unsure about how to respond to a situation involving your spouse or kids, you deserve to know the answers.

Keep a List of Your Questions.

• Communication doesn't mean that you have to talk to your attorney every day. Instead, keep a written list of your concerns so your attorney can address them in one conversation.

Ask About Communicating via E-mail, Phone, Fax or Mail.

• Whether you realize or not, you have a wealth of communication resources at your disposal. Communicating with your lawyer can involve telephone conversations, emails, faxes – even snail mail.

Schedule Face-to-Face Meetings for Important Issues.

• If you need to discuss something important, schedule an appointment to speak with your attorney in person. You can accomplish most communication by phone, etc., but some issues should be resolved in an actual meeting.

If You Have a Problem with Your Lawyer, Let Him / Her Know.

• Remember: your lawyer is here to help. If you feel uneasy about the way he /she is handling your case, bring it up for discussion. A skilled attorney can explain his / her reasoning so that you fully understand the approach, and your options.

Discuss Your Divorce Expectations.

• Your case is important; you deserve to be aware of court dates, updates, and important progress, and what to expect. On the other hand, you don't want to impede your attorney's work by calling and emailing every day. Discuss everything beforehand so the expectations are clear.

If you are considering a divorce, you need the right attorney on your side. At McKinley, we are committed to delivering the highest quality legal guidance to our clients and have spent more than two decades in the divorce and family law legal field. For additional information about our services, we invited you to fill out an online contact form at your earliest convenience. For more information about divorce in Seattle, please visit our resources page.