Originally posted on 2/11/2020 (reformatted).

It may come as no surprise that emotions may run high in family law cases. While some matters are more amicable than others, others are extremely contentious, emotional, and simply draining. As an individual in the throes of such a case, it is often easy to overlook the fact that you and your attorney are on the same side. In this article, some brief ideas concerning effective communication in attorney-client relationship are explored.

At the outset of the case, meaningful communication between an attorney and client is essential. As a client, you want to be sure your voice is heard, your concerns are addressed, and the attorney truly has a feel for your case. In turn, the lawyer needs to hear the facts of your case (both positive and negative!) and understand your individual goals.

It goes without saying – both the client and lawyer need to be honest with the other. They need to listen to each other. And, both need to remember to work together to try to bring resolution to the matter.

Sometimes, the above is easier said than done. Why? Because both individuals approach a case from different perspectives. As a client, your case began a long time before you ever set foot in the attorney’s office. The matter is deeply personal in nature, may take up a lot of your time and energy, and essentially may change your life. The attorney is responsible for navigating the legal nuances, practice and procedure, and guiding a client through a family case. 

As an individual, only you (and to an extent the other party), truly knows everything your case entails. You live with it every day. For the lawyer, all the details will not be known as he or she has not lived the case. The case will not affect the attorney as personally as the party who is going through it. Sometimes, that very fact, creates frustration between a client and attorney.

Both individuals need to keep in mind they come to the table, so to speak, with different perspectives. A good attorney will be compassionate, considerate, and zealous in the advocacy of her or his client. But, at the end of the day, the client is the person who’s lived the matter day in and day out.

Both need to work together to create a resolution to the matter and appreciate they are on the same team and not in opposition. Both bring value to the relationship. 

As attorneys we need to be mindful of how we treat our clients both professionally and personally; an attorney-client relationship is a sacred and important role.

(Author unknown).