TIMING IS EVERYTHING: WHEN CLIENTS DECIDE TO BEGIN A DIVORCE
One of the great mysteries of my divorce practice is the question of when clients decide to begin a divorce. I’ve always wondered what it is that makes any particular client decide that today, now, is the time to commence an action. I’m sure I will never understand exactly what is in my client’s mind at that unique point in time, so I suppose I’m going to be relegated to observing and commenting on what actually happens after the fact.
Here are two (2) very different experiences I’ve had with clients over the past two (2) days:
Yesterday, I met with a woman at her home for about two (2) hours for an initial consultation for a divorce. We covered a myriad of divorce topics, from the anatomy of a divorce case to equitable distribution to tax impacting settlements and post-settlement housekeeping issues. At the end of the meeting I asked how she would like to move forward with her case. She let me know she was not making any decisions right away, but that I should call her in one week.
Today, I received a call from a woman who wanted to come in to this office and discuss her options for a divorce. An hour later, we met and after a 15 minute discussion she retained me to handle her case.
The juxtaposition of these two consultations is an interesting commentary on the utter individuality of all of my clients. It also reminds me that no matter how many times I think I know which ‘box’ a case or client fits into, I’m probably wrong.
If you would like more information on New York divorce law, please visit my website at www.GabayLawFirm.com
Hello,
Thank you for your very well written post. I can say that your words ring so true. I also think that good due dilligence in selecting a divorce attorney is essential. I support the IT needs of many New York Attrorneys and although most of them are honest and truly want to do the best that they can for their clients, Some take on cases that they have no clue how to run. There have been several conversations I've overheard where the attorney is asking the associate for advice. For the most part these attorneys farm out the cases they cannot handle to other attorneys who concentrate in that particular area of Law. So, in essence, the client isn't really short-changed by inadequte representation, but they will be dealing with what amounts to a middleman. You will agree with me when I say you really need to do your due dilligence when looking for an attorney and as you probably already know references are one of the best ways of sourcing a quality attorney. Good attorneys like you (based on the great information I've read on your site) and Steven E. Rosenfeld (based on personal experience and inside information gathered as I support his offices computer networking needs) are worth the trouble of proper due dilligence. Clients will always reap the rewards of their efforts in the professional way they are represented by the attorneys they discover.
Thank you for the well written post. As a NY Divorce Attorney I often come across this bizarre phenomenon. I have an idea of two about why some potential clients retain me right away, while others say they will consider the free consultation that I have provided for them. I think it is a mixture of human nature (fear, wanting to know all your options before making a decision) and at times I fear that some potential clients are simply trying to get divorce information for free. I wish there was a way to screen for this but I have yet to find one. A colleague of mine stopped offering free NY divorce consultations because he claims that if a potential client is unwilling to pay $100 for a consult (which would go towards their retainer fee if they retain him) then they are probably trying to get something for nothing. I still offer free NY divorce consultations regardless. Please let me know if you discover the answer to this mind boggling question!