HOW TO USE AN ATTORNEY AS A CONSULTANT, AND SAVE MONEY

It is true that a lawyer can provide useful legal advice, helpful guidance, and strong representation for anyone involved in a Family Law case,  However, not everyone chooses to retain an attorney — and not everyone can afford one.  Fortunately, there are a number of options for obtaining the services of an attorney, and some of those options are very affordable.  One of the most effective, and least expensive, ways to utilize an attorney is to use him or her as a consultant on an as-needed basis.

 

 

Representing yourself in a contested Family Law action presents an enormous challenge. Parties to litigation are expected to understand the law and rules of Family Law Procedure. The fact that you are a layman, and not a lawyer, is no excuse for violating procedural rules. Imagine trying to play in a basketball game without knowing the rules. The coach calls your name, but when you walk on the court you don’t know how to dribble or pass the ball, or even which basket to shoot at. That’s the kind of disadvantage you have when you walk into a courtroom as a “pro se” (self-represented) litigant. You may wind up losing your case without ever knowing why, or how, it happened. Obviously, it is best to be represented by legal counsel. But not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford to retain an attorney on an ongoing basis. So, what is the next best thing?  Seek a one-time consultation with an attorney.  In that meeting, which customarily takes place in the lawyer’s office, you will have the opportunity to discuss your specific matter with an expert. The attorney will describe how the court process works and talk to you about your legal rights. He or she can help you identify the documents (called “exhibits”) and the witnesses that you will need to prove your case. The attorney can also devise a “game plan” and help you map out a strategy for making a strong argument in court. This is the time to ask questions so that you can feel confident going forward. When the consultation is over and you walk out of that lawyer’s office you should have a much better idea of the law, your legal rights, and how to present your case in the best possible light.

 

 

During the course of the litigation (which can last for several months, or even a year or more) new issues, and new questions, will likely arise. When this happens, you can follow up by obtaining additional consultations with an attorney, as necessary.  It is important to remember that since the attorney is not representing you in the litigation, he or she will have no obligation to stay updated with the facts and legal issues of your case or perform work on your behalf.  However, by using an attorney to provide you with basic advice from time to time, you will still be far better off than if you were to try to figure things out by yourself, without any legal guidance.

 

 

Parties to a divorce or custody dispute would be well-advised to explore the possibility of resolving their issues through mediation or settlement negotiations, rather than fighting it out in court. No matter how strong your case may be, there is always a risk that the judge might see things differently, and you may lose. Resolving the case through negotiation gives you the opportunity to carve out the terms of your own agreement, rather than allowing a judge to decide what is best for you and your family.  People who are able to negotiate their own agreement tend to be happier with the arrangement. Why? Because it is their agreement. They made it. And they “own” it. It wasn’t imposed upon them by a judge who is a stranger to the parents and the children.

 

Although mediation (or a settlement conference) is a great alternative to battling it out in court, many people reduce their chances for success by walking into the negotiation session without proper preparation. This is a serious mistake. In that meeting, you will be dealing with crucial issues, such as custody of children, legal decision-making, parenting time, financial support, and division of property. Lack of preparation could cause you to overlook things that are important, or it could lead you to make compromises that are not in your best interest.  Not being prepared could also cause you to become so fearful of making a bad deal that you are unable to make a deal at all — and then you miss an opportunity to avoid a contentious trial and reach an agreement that is fair for everybody. These types of mistakes, due to lack of preparation, can have drastic long-term consequences.  As the old saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

 

For an affordable fee, you can obtain a consultation with an attorney to help you prepare for your upcoming mediation or settlement conference. The attorney will review your legal paperwork, financial documents, and/or other important information, and talk to you about the facts of your case, as well as your needs, your goals, and your wishes. The attorney can also help you formulate your settlement position and devise a negotiating strategy. By the time you walk out of that lawyer’s office, you should feel more confident in your ability to negotiate on your own behalf.

 

 

For someone going through a simple uncontested divorce, the Maricopa County Superior Court Self Service Center provides forms that can be downloaded online, for free. These forms can be found at https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/family-court-forms/. Hard copies of the forms can be picked up at the courthouse. However, figuring out how to fill out those forms and navigate your way through the court process can be a daunting and confusing task. A certified document preparer can fill out your forms but is not allowed to give you legal advice. On the other hand, for the price of an affordable consultation, you can meet with a licensed attorney who will not only check to make sure you have filled out your forms properly but will also explain your legal rights and describe how the court process works. You may not have the resources to retain an attorney on an ongoing basis in your Family Law matter, but by using an attorney from time to time as a consultant you will have an expert to help guide you through the process.

 

 

Utilizing an attorney as a consultant on an as-needed basis allows you to control your costs. For someone who does not wish to hire a full-time attorney, or for someone who cannot afford one, obtaining legal consultations from time to time can pay great dividends. The attorney can assist you in many ways, including explaining the law; advising you of your legal rights; guiding you through the court process; assisting you in planning your strategy; drafting motions or other documents that you may need to file; and helping you to prepare for mediation, court hearings and/or the trial. Using an attorney as a consultant is an affordable option and a very good one.