The Expensive Divorce Calls
Most of us make mistakes during marriage, what many don’t realize is those mistakes can overflow into a divorce. Consider for example, the "expensive call.†The expensive call refers to over-utilizing an attorney, via the telephone, for incidences during the divorce that are not relevant. These calls can easily cost up to a thousand dollars and are completely unnecessary.
Think it cannot happen to you? Take this short story for example. Your ex requests a restraining order and is granted one that in return restricts your time with your children. You ask for contact with the kids. This request is very specific and entails evening phone calls. The judge grants the request and agrees to phone calls between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m, daily. This appears to be a step in the right direction.
Then chaos strikes. Another day takes place and at 6 p.m. you phone the kids, but no one answers. Regardless of your efforts, you are unable to contact your children. Again you try the next day but the same result ensues. You do this for an entire week until finally you are so beside yourself that you call the attorney. This is a big and costly mistake.
The lawyer takes the phone call because that is what he does. He answers the phone because that's what you pay him to do. You pay him a lot to answer the phone. After speaking with the attorney, you follow up with an email. The lawyer reads the email and responds to it, after all that is what you pay him to do. Next, the attorney writes up a very expensive letter describing the situation, the restraining order and asking for resolution. This letter is delivered to your ex’s divorce attorney. This may feel like progress, and maybe it is, but it is also very expensive.
Several days pass and eventually the lawyers talk, and more legal fees accrue. During the conversation, the other attorney points out the judge said you could make the call each evening, but that does not mean your ex would have to be available during the established time. In fact, the one with the restraining order against them is you. The end result is no resolution and a very expensive attorney bill for time spent talking on the phone, emailing, and writing the letter.
The key thing to remember in dealing with a divorce lawyer is to always be concise and to the point. Never let your emotions do the talking for you, and optimize your time because ultimately you are paying for it. The only individual who can successfully manage your divorce case is you.
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