Denver Real Estate Lawyer and Family Law Blog (Vol. 1.71)  February 12, 2016

Family Law/Divorce and Real Estate Legal Services in Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch and all surrounding areas

.by Craig Franklin Chambers, Esq. 7851 S. Elati Street #204, Littleton, CO 80120

The Littleton Lawyer

Here are 5 quick tips to save money on attorneys fees to get through the legal process of a divorce efficiently and cost-effectively. First, hire someone you trust. He or she is the legal expert, and you need to trust him to do his job. You should not micro-manage him. Each attorney has own style and that style should be compatible with your personality.

Second, be honest with your attorney. Your communications with him are confidential and privileged under the attorney-client privilege. Your lawyer needs to know the facts to properly strategize your case. Third, don’t treat your attorney as a marriage counselor, therapist, priest, or a friend.  An attorney charges for his time and his expertise. Not only for his higher education, but for his experience in front of the very same judges and magistrates who will hear your case. Don't run up fees on phone calls on unrelated or irrelevant matters.

Fourth, help your attorney by being responsive and precise and by creating time-lines and organizing your documents. The case is being presented first in a well-organized manner to other side with the hopes the evidence will convince the other side to settle, and ultimately, to the judge. It is your case, after all, and the simpler to understand you can make the case, and the more compelling the story, the easier and less expensive the case will become.

Lastly, be reasonable in your demands and expectations. Understand that getting thorough the divorce with minimum stress is also important, especially in a divorce where children are involved.  If there are children involved, they are the first priority. You have deal with your Ex until the child turns 19, and you may want to be invited to your daughter's graduation or wedding or have a relationship with your grandchildren.

Don't argue over small amounts of money. Don't make demands that are based on spite. Don't pursue claims you are unlikely to win. Most importantly, don't bully the other side and make them look like a victim.

The judge doesn't want to hear this case anymore than you do, and the judges are generally unmoved by emotional outbursts, hyperbole, or exaggerations. The party who is reasonable and rationale usually gains the most credibility with the judge.