Working with a Lawyer
what to expect from a lawyer
When you hire a lawyer, you should expect your lawyer to:
• Act in a responsible and ethical way;
• Understand the area of law you are dealing with (for example family law or criminal law);
• Find out from you what you want for yourself and your children;
• Make sure you understand all of your options;
• Listen to you and follow your instructions;
• Keep you up-to-date about what is going on in your case.
You should not expect your lawyer to:
• Provide counseling or emotional support. This is not what they are trained to do;
• Return all of your messages immediately or always spend as much time on your case as you may want. Your lawyer has many other clients to manage;
• To act illegally or unethically on your behalf.
meeting with your lawyer
Before you meet with your lawyer you should:
- Get as many papers and other items related to your case as you can (including financial information and things like medical records and police reports related to the abuse that took place) and bring them to your first meeting with your lawyer.
- Try to write down the story of your relationship (including details of any abuse that you or your children have suffered) as well as what you would like to have happen in court.
- Try to take notes during your meetings with your lawyer.
Keep a notebook between meetings with your lawyer, to document any problems you are having with custody and access, dates, times and witnesses to any harrasment or abuse, and questions you want to ask your lawyer during your next meeting.
communicating with your lawyer
- Remain calm when you are talking to your lawyer, even if you are discussing things that are upsetting. Try to focus on the issues that will be important in court.
- If English is not your first language and you are receiving legal aid, LSS will pay for an interpreter during meetings with your lawyer.
- Your lawyer may use language that is not easy to understand. Do not be afraid to ask questions, it is their job to make sure you understand what they are telling you.
Make sure you keep a copy of any papers or letters that your lawyer or your partner's lawyer sends you. Also keep a copy of all court documents.
If you feel your lawyer is not listening to you, you need to have a meeting with her and ask why. Usually, a conversation will clear up many of the problems you are having with your lawyer. If not, you may have to consider getting another lawyer. Be aware that changing lawyers is not a decision that should be made lightly, if you are receiving legal aid it can be very difficult to change lawyers, and in all cases it can result in delays in your case.