DIVORCE AND
THE THREE GREAT PROFESSIONS
I once heard from a fellow attorney that the three great
professions were law, medicine, and clergy. The reason, I was told, was that
these are where people go for help while in their greatest need. That’s certainly
true sometimes. Emergency Departments are full of people in the greatest need
of their life. Religious centers too find people at their doorstep, hungry,
homeless, or heartbroken.
I agree that the same is true for attorneys…sometimes. Like the
plastic surgeon doing yet another facelift, some types of attorneys practice
fields of law that hardly rise to the level of a soul’s “greatest need”.
Mergers and Acquisitions are important, but its not the same as a death row
defendant facing sentencing, or an abused and traumatized child having to
relive a nightmare by giving courtroom testimony.
While ER Physicians, criminal attorneys, and victims’ rights
advocates enjoy the prestige of a noble cause, “Divorce Attorneys” don’t
usually get much respect. That is, until you’re facing divorce. When
someone is facing divorce, they begin with heartache and usually anger. Next
they realize what’s at stake: their children, their home, their finances, their
car, future income. Finally, they realize they don’t know how to begin to
protect these things. Do they need an attorney? Can they afford one?How much
does it cost? Most importantly, what’s going to happen in the end? For most,
this is the hour of their greatest need. The lawyer jokes aren’t funny anymore.
They need a caring champion.
Some attorneys may prey on the emotions of these devastated
clients to squeeze every dime they can out of the case without regard to their
client’s interest. Or at least that is one perception. Other attorneys truly
care about their clients, want to get the best outcome for them, and want to do
it in a way that the client can afford.
So how do you know which attorney is which? Who can you trust?
Who has the courtroom skills and experience to fight for you?
If you are in the position to be asking these questions, visit
at least three attorneys. Most offer free consultations. You’ll find many lists
of questions to ask them on the internet, but many of those questions were
written by attorneys who can’t wait to give you their sales pitch. Instead,
trust your instincts. Do you feel a bond with this attorney? Do the attorney
have the skills to handle your case? Is the attorney passionate? Does the
lawyer comfort you a little too much? Or does he explain the risks you
face and the challenges to obtaining your goals?
How would you find and choose your attorney?
