Honesty with Your Lawyer – Why it Matters

 If you find yourself facing a divorce or other family law issue, one of the first things you will likely do is seek legal counsel. It is common for you to feel emotionally overwhelmed and physically exhausted. During this stressful time, your natural self-defense mechanisms will surge, and you may be inclined to keep any potentially incriminating information to yourself. However, it is vitally important that you are completely forthcoming with your legal team from the beginning.

The initial consultation with your lawyer is intended to establish a foundation of rapport and a level of comfort between you and your attorney, as well as discuss preliminary concerns and legal issues. Your attorney will work with you to begin formulating a strategy and provide you with a roadmap of the legal process. To the best of his or her ability, your attorney’s primary focus is to represent your interests and work to resolve any issues that concern you in the short and long term. To do this effectively, your attorney needs to be made aware of ALL your concerns and “blemishes”. Withholding information will prevent your legal advocate from being able to proactively represent your interests, which might lead to an undesirable outcome.

Before you have your initial consultation with an experienced Family Law Attorney, be prepared to answer some important questions, including:

Why do you want a divorce?

What assets do you have?

Do you have any debts?

How do you earn a living?

How do you plan to support yourself post-divorce?

Do you have a romantic relationship with someone else?

How would you characterize your mental and emotional health?

What do you believe your spouse will use or hold against you?

These are only a few of the questions your attorney will discuss with you to gather as complete picture of you, your marriage, and your unique challenges and goals as possible. It is understandable that the initial consultation is tough and that going through a divorce is a difficult time in your life. It is important that you align with an experienced and compassionate family lawyer with whom you feel comfortable. Being completely open and honest with your chosen representative may also give you a sense of relief and leave you feeling more confident facing the road ahead.

Be sure to share anything that may negatively impact your case with your attorney. Anything you fear disclosing very well could be something your spouse might use to cast you in a less than favorable light. Your attorney needs to know this information so he or she can adequately prepare to address these issues in court or in the settlement negotiation process. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, both as spouses and as parents. Admitting these faults may be difficult, but it is important that you are prepared to face your own shortcomings. By doing so, you and your attorney will be better able to work together and build your strongest case to generate the most favorable outcome.

Bear in mind that your conversations with your attorney are privileged and protected by law. Your attorney will not disclose anything with your spouse, your spouse’s lawyer, or anyone else without your consent. The more your attorney knows about you and your situation, the better he or she can advocate for you. Your attorney is not there to judge you and you do not need to worry about making a good impression. Family lawyers are accustomed to meeting people during tumultuous times and life’s low points. So, remember to relax, exhale, and be completely transparent and honest with your attorney from the inception of and throughout this professional relationship.

If you are searching for someone to represent you through your divorce, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP is prepared to serve you. Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.