The attorney you retain to help you with your divorce, custody, asset division, and other family law matters is someone you must ultimately trust during one of the most difficult times in your life. Not only will your attorney represent you, he or she will also give you valuable advice that could impact the rest of your life. Even though the attorney you choose will use his or her years of professional experience to your advantage, the information that you provide plays a vital role in any decisions made. Helping your family law attorney by keeping him or her informed is one of several things that you can do to increase your chances of receiving the outcome that you desire.

Be Honest

Concealing information from your attorney could lead to a disaster, especially as your case progresses. An attorney who is blindsided by details of your past or other knowledge that you withheld is not able to represent you to the best of his or her ability. No matter how embarrassing the information is, it is easier to discuss things in private with your attorney instead of in front of a judge. Tell your attorney about any history of mental illness, criminal activity, or child protective services interactions immediately.

Let Your Attorney do His or Her Job

The reason you are hiring an attorney is because you need professional representation from someone who understands the legal system. Attempting to take over your defense or otherwise take charge is more of a hindrance than a help. Unless you believe your attorney is making a large, crucial mistake, stand back and let your attorney do his or her job without interfering.  Ignoring their advice, contradicting them in public, and making arrangements with the other party behind their back makes it significantly harder for your attorney to help you.

Keep Your Attorney Informed

An attorney cannot give you the help you deserve if you are not keeping him or her informed.  When your circumstances change, the first person you should notify is your attorney. Deciding to move out of a shared home, transfer children to another school, get a different job, or even go on an extended vacation could all affect how your case will proceed. Also, if you receive any documents or summons, your attorney must be told immediately, even if you feel that it is unrelated to your case.

Follow Through

Most family law cases require multiple hearings, meetings, and a mountain of documents.  Occasionally your attorney will need you to complete paperwork, attend mediation, or come to a hearing. If your attorney asks you to do something, you must follow through. Not completing a certain task or attending a scheduled meeting prolongs your case and could cost you more money. Not following through damages your credibility and makes you look unorganized or irresponsible.

Get Legal Advice

If you or someone close to you is dealing with a dispute in family court, having a qualified family law attorney on your side can help you obtain the resolution you desire. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum understand how important it is to have competent representation from day one. With four offices located in the Atlanta, Georgia area, we are standing by and ready to give you the legal advice you need. Contact us today at 678-736-7700 to schedule an initial consultation.