DO I REALLY NEED A SECOND OPINION?
Only you can
really answer that question. First of all you need to be honest with yourself. The criteria that I use to answer such questions is
"If I feel even vaguely uneasy because I have unanswered questions or don't
understand what is happening with my case, then I probably need a second
opinion." Now that's pretty simple. We are not offering this
service just to stir up discord between you and your attorney. Our only reason
for this service is to provide a service to clients who just want and need a second
opinion.
The
Problem:
I get calls all
the time from people who are afraid to ask their attorneys questions about their
cases. It makes me feel that many attorneys are doing a poor job of
communicating with our clients. I also get requests to prepare clients
for a E.C. § 730 evaluation. When I asked why they didn't
have their current attorney prepare them, they tell me that their current
attorney didn't know how.
The fact that a client would hire and retain the services of an attorney who didn't
know how to properly prepare their client for the evaluation is scary.
Not everything is
the attorney's fault, sometimes our clients are also doing a poor job of
speaking up and asking questions. Sometimes clients are so committed to an
unrealistic outcome, they keep changing attorneys until they find one that
will tell them what they want to hear. This is not the best way to handle your legal
disputes. It is often hard enough to win when you should, to expect that you
will prevail because you think you should, is to engage in wishful
thinking. Most times, client's ask the right questions, it is just that
they receive answers from their attorneys that
are evasive or just plain wrong. I cannot tell you the number of times that I
have seen attorneys give advice on very important issues without even bothering
to check on the proper answer.
Far too many of
the calls that I receive are from clients that are involved in an E.C. §730
evaluation. Unfortunately they call after the evaluation is complete and they
find out that the recommendations are not in their favor. Only then do I find
out that their attorney didn't understand what a E.C.
§730 evaluation really was and how to properly prepare for
one. That is the problem with the legal system, with many issues you only get
one chance to do it right. While it is not impossible to repair some of these
problem areas, it usually costs twice as much as if it was done right from the
beginning. A second opinion may be able to help before it is too late and
the damage is done.
The Solution:
Many attorneys think that they can practice family law
as a minor part of their practice. Most often they may practice personal injury, criminal law,
landlord-tenant or may even sell insurance. Family Law is just a minor adjunct
to their primary practice. Why someone would hire such a person
who obviously doesn't have the necessary experience is beyond me. If you are one of these
clients and you really don't understand what is going on with your case, give us
a call. For a relatively small fee, we can review all or part of your case.
Obviously a case that is more complex is going to cost more to review, but if we
can prevent a mistake then it will be well worth the price.
An obvious question is how long will the process take? The answer to that
question varies by the complexity of the case; the issues presented; how fast
you need an answer; and the amount of money that you want to spend on the
process. Obviously cases that are several years old and involve complex custody,
restraining orders, property issues, transfers from Children's Court,
retirement issues, or special situations will take longer and cost more. The
more materials and documents that we have to review the longer the process
takes. For each case we will always provide you with a good faith estimate
before we start any work on your case. You will always know exactly up
front how much it will cost and how long it will take. The preparation of
a detailed written report will be
extra.
The Process:
In order to properly review your case, we will need copies of all the pleading
in your case and any correspondence. This material should go all the way back to
the beginning of the case. We will pay special attention to OSC'S,
Declarations, Trial Brief's, Discovery Material, and 730 reports.
Witness transcripts will also be helpful depending on the issues. These
materials are very expensive and should only be procured in special cases.
Brief's filed in the appellate process can also be reviewed. In fact we will be
happy to speak to you present attorney and give him or her an opportunity to
explain their strategy, if they will agree to cooperate. We will also keep
the entire investigation confidential if that is what you would like us to do.
Since many of these problems may be the result of hearing that have already
occurred, or trials that are already finished, we may be looking at the file to
find a basis for
an appeal. You must always keep in mind that with few exceptions you only have
60 days from the rendition of an order to file the notice of appeal. For a
Motion for Reconsideration you only have ten days, so you have to act quickly.
If you wait two years to look into your case, it will be too late. Which
is why we cannot do this over the internet or by fax. We have to have the actual
documents in our hand to evaluate them.
The Costs:
While there are costs associated with this service, we strive
to keep them reasonable. In fact if after reviewing your case, we are retained
to provide additional work, in most cases, we will either reduce or waive the
fee. I don't think that you could find a fairer offer than that. If you don't
like what you hear, you are under no further obligation to do anything further.
It is all at your discretion and completely confidential.
Our fees start at
$100.00 and go up from there based upon the amount of work that needs to be
done. If in our opinion, the fees will exceed $100.00, we will give you an
estimate right up front. If you decline to do anything, then you owe us nothing.
For very large matters, the fees are negotiable depending on the amount of
documents, and people that we need to review. That's all there is to it. No
mystery and no fear. One clear price and you know exactly what you are getting
up front.
Far too many people feel that they should receive this service for free. For
these people I say "you get what you pay for." Maybe! Your
quest for information should be like the quests of knights of old. Pure of heart
and purpose. If you lead with your pocketbook, you will not get what you need.
Good work deserves a fair fee. If you do not want to pay for anyone's
services, then maybe you should rethink whether or not you want to start a
lawsuit in the first place. If you are the Defendant or Respondent, you
really don't have a choice. If you do nothing, you will lose. It is usually that
simple. So if you waste your time on avoiding paying someone for their
help, then you get exactly what you deserve - nothing. No one is going to feel
sorry for someone who chooses not to avail themselves of help because they are
cheap. Sorry there is just no tactful way to say it.
The Services Available:
For any cases, such as paternity or criminal cases, we
can even arrange lab tests or review of the work done previously. We can
have actuaries or accountants review financial work done previously for accuracy
of their results. We can have psychologists or psychiatrists review psychiatric
reports or other medical reports. The only limit to the services that we can
provide is your imagination and needs. You tell us the problem and we give you
the solution. You need an expert we will find them for you and arrange for
them to review the salient matters that you want reviewed.
The Conclusion:
While the costs are important, it is
equally important that you have a clear understanding of the case and what is
going on. I have interviewed many clients who have had two or more attorneys
before they came to us. In each case they paid thousands of dollars more than
it would have cost them for a review of their case. They spend thousands of
dollars on retainers and services that do not appear to have a need or purpose.
We can prevent much of that waste.
I don't want to
mislead you into thinking that we are magic because we aren't. In many cases,
the damage may simply be beyond repair. If that happens we will tell you in no
uncertain terms. We don't pull punches and we don't mislead our clients. We tell
the truth, no matter how distasteful it is. We will also give you all options
and possible strategies that may reasonably be tried under the circumstances of
your particular case. You are under no obligation do try any of them. Our
function is to provide information, whether or not you use it is up to you.
Remember that knowledge gives you power, incredible personal power to gain
control of your life and it's only a phone call away. To contact us today, click
on the "Contact Us"
button at the top of the page or you can go to
the "Feedback Page"
to send us an e-mail right now. Don't put it
off any longer, contact us now and see what you can do.
 
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