Attorney Matthew R. Arnold answering the question: “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”
If you have already selected a North Carolina family law attorney you might feel like you’re stuck with your first choice, even if things are going bad. However, it’s important to remember that you’re never trapped with any divorce lawyer and that if you no longer feel comfortable you have the right to give them the boot. Though dropping an attorney may feel like a waste of time and money, it’s critical that someone you trust guide you through your divorce given the serious impact a split can have on the rest of your life.
So what are some signs it might be time to start looking for a new North Carolina divorce attorney? First, if your lawyer refuses to return phone calls or answer your questions. It’s important to understand that your lawyer has other clients and you may not always be able to get ahold of him or her immediately. It’s perfectly normal to have a lawyer who is tied up in court, depositions, mediations or other client meetings. However, even busy attorneys need to understand that the clients are the boss and must take the time to be responsive.
If you feel ignored repeatedly or like your concerns are not being properly addressed, it might be time to consider looking for a new attorney. You can start by addressing the issue with the lawyer, explaining that you feel cut off from the case and require a bit more handholding. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to cut bait and find someone new who better understands your needs.
Another sign that it might be time to get a new divorce attorney is if you feel intimidated or bullied. Though it’s not uncommon for lawyers, especially litigators, to have big personalities, you need to feel comfortable and able to communicate with your attorney; if not, your case could seriously suffer as a result. Even truly brilliant lawyers have no business talking down to clients or making them feel like their concerns are unimportant. If you detect a negative or dismissive attitude from your lawyer this might be reason enough to start shopping around for someone you’re better able to talk to.
A final reason when it might make sense to hire a new lawyer is if your case takes a turn that you believe your lawyer is ill equipped to handle. Remember that divorce can be a very complicated process and the reality is that not all attorneys have the same level of experience, especially when it comes to complex issues. So if your attorney seems over his or her head, either due to especially difficult custody issues, a prenup or complicated financial matters, it might be best to go in search of someone you trust to handle the tricky parts of your case.
If you find yourself facing a complicated family matter then you need the help of experienced family law attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina who can help guide you through the often confusing process of divorce.
About the Author:
Matthew Arnold is a Managing Member with Arnold & Smith, PLLC where he focuses his practice on most aspects of Family law including: divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution. Mr. Arnold is an experienced trial attorney who has tried jury and bench trials in both North Carolina District Court and North Carolina Superior Court.
Mr. Arnold grew up in Charlotte, graduating from Providence Senior High School and continued his education at Belmont Abbey College on a basketball scholarship. After graduating cum laude he attended law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a full academic scholarship. In his spare time, Mr. Arnold enjoys golfing and spending time on the North Carolina Coast with his wife and three young children: two daughters and one son.
Source:
“Divorcing Women: Five Signs You Might Need A New Attorney,” by Jeff Landers, published at Forbes.com.
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