About
I've been practicing law for over 20 years. Unlike many of my colleagues, I am not a "check the box" attorney -- my cases are always geared toward what the long-term goal of my client is, and how best to achieve that goal.
The best thing about the work I do is, I usually meet people when they are having one of the worst experiences of their lives, and I get to help them move out of that experience and on to living a happier and far more productive life.
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Denise S.
Ross C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every new client wants to immediately explain what their legal issue is. My first question to a client is typically, "What's your goal?" There are many ways to tackle a legal issue, but finding out from the start what the client wants to get out of representation is key to a happy client and a successful result.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
It is dependent upon what the client needs. I offer two types of legal services:
1. Full representation of the client. I am the attorney of record and am responsible for the day-to-day handling of the case on the client's behalf, including court appearances and the filing of papers and pleadings.
2. The client represents him/herself and I "coach" from the sidelines. The client retains all responsibility for the case and I only act when specfifically asked by the client to do so.
How did you get started in this business?
When I was a baby attorney, I got three requests in a single week for a divorce attorney. I wasn't practicing Family Law at the time, but I thought, "If that's what people need, then that's what I will do." So I learned what I needed to learn about divorce, custody, visitation, and support, and I've been helping people through the Family Law system ever since.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with very wealthy clients as well as to paycheck-to-paycheck clients. Some people are very legal savvy, others are petrified of the legal system. In the final analysis, they are all the same to me: clients with individual needs and hopes and goals. Every case I have is driven by what goal the client would like to achieve, and then the client and I work together to develop a plan and strategy which is the most likely to reach that goal.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Make sure you retain someone with whom you "click". The attorney client relationship can be a very intense one, but especially in the instance of a divorce (and child custody) proceeding. Divorce is the most personal of all legal actions, so having an attorney to whom you can be honest and open up is going to be critical as your case progresses. If you don't have a good relationship with your current attorney, you might want to find a new attorney.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Be organized and have as much information about your situation as possible in mind when you talk to a lawyer. Keep in mind, too, that there is a difference between being legally "right" and being morally "right" -- there's no law against being a jerk, even though there ought to be. If someone wasn't honest with you when you were together, chances are that person isn't going to suddenly become honest and "do the right thing" once a divorce is initiated.