Preparing For Litigation In A Maryland Divorce

In this article, you will learn…

• The benefits of having an experienced attorney,
• What insight your attorney can bring to your trial preparations, and
• Why it’s often best to compromise than to take a matter before a judge.

What Helps You Prepare Your Clients Before They Even Step Foot In The Courthouse?

Being knowledgeable of common issues that can arise during a divorce or custody case certainly allows me to prepare my client before they step foot in the courthouse. Even when my client comes to me with a completely unique issue, there’s a good chance that it’s happened to someone in Maryland before and I’ll be able to consult with another attorney or reference relevant case law that addresses the particular issue.

During the first 30-minute consultation with a client, they can tell me their concerns and ask any questions they may have. This allows us to set proper expectations and formulate solutions together. When presented with a problem by the client, I’m able to advise them on their options and what the law says about it.

Sometimes, I have to tell the client that no judge is going to grant their certain request. It’s best to be blunt with people, not beat around the bush or set improper expectations for them. Many times, I’m able to tell them what I think a judge will do for them, how we can approach the situation, and what outcome I believe we’ll see. Sometimes, though, it can be unclear.

Sometimes a client will have a really good argument for or against something, but I know that the other side has a competent attorney who will make reasonable competing arguments. In these cases, you can take your arguments to a judge but you won’t necessarily be able to predict what the judge will decide. It really depends on the testimony and the evidence before the judge and how they think your facts fit in with the law.

My job is to help my clients understand that there are risks in going to trial, because there’s always some element of uncertainty on how a judge will rule. Having the experience of dealing with the same issues over and over again and taking them before different judges and in different counties allows me to provide valuable insight to my clients.

Something that a client may think is contentious and unsettled at the beginning of a divorce case can often turn out to be less complicated because we already know what the court is going to do if you go to trial. That helps people to settle cases, as well.

When we go to settlement conferences or mediation, particularly with attorneys on both sides, parties can be made to understand that it’s in their best interest to settle outside of court. If your attorney is able to tell you the likely outcome should you take it to trial, and that outcome isn’t desirable, it is a motivation for you and the other party to reach a compromise that keeps you out of trial.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney for Family Law Cases, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’ll make it look easy. For more information on Family Law in Maryland, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (443) 300-2335 today.