Detroit Personal Injury Attorney™

1. Never choose a Detroit child custody attorney who represents both the parties, even though he comes cheap because both of you are sharing the costs. Such custody lawyers can be biased towards any one parent and if things get out of hand on alimony and child custody issues, then there will be hell to pay. Remember, if a lawyer represents both the plaintiff and the respondent, then a conflict of interest is generated. Also remember that a lawyer cannot represent both parties as per his code of ethics.

If you have agreed for such an arrangement then you may have to face emotional problems or emotional blackmail, unreasonable demands, unreasonable settlements, and a general casual juvenile approach to the case. For the same reasons, you must not work with a family lawyer who has been recommended by your spouse - just work with an attorney you have appointed after being satisfied with his capabilities and ensuring that there is no conflict of interest.

2. In some states, telephone recordings are considered illegal and treated as inadmissible evidence if the other party has not been informed that his voice is being recorded. Inadmissible evidence. (NOTE TO CLIENT: IN MY OPINION, THIS POINT IS NOT REQUIRED. PLEASE DECIDE ON IT)

3. Always ask your Detroit child custody attorney if he happens to be a friend of your spouse's lawyer. Lawyers interact with each other daily and if your lawyer has developed a close rapport with your spouse's lawyer, or is his bitter enemy, then chances are you may either receive a biased opinion or you might get into a bitter and prolonged dispute.

4. Child custody Lawyers cost money and good lawyers cost good money. You have to understand that you must hire only the best brains in the business and nothing lesser will do; after all, this is a question that involves your family. If you have to fork out a decent sum for a good lawyer, you must be prepared to do it. And remember, each lawyer will quote you a separate rate, because all lawyers are not equal. All you can do is compare his price with the other quotes you have received and then make your call.

5. If your funds are limited, then you may qualify for a volunteer lawyer or a legal aid lawyer. Volunteer, or pro bono, lawyers help people with fewer funds - volunteer lawyers are mostly junior lawyers working in big firms who have been asked to volunteer because their bosses want them to get some on-the-job training. Legal aid is a government program that allows the poor to access legal services. You can call a law firm and register under their pro bono program, or if you're looking for legal aid then look up in the phone book.

6. Finally, remember that when you are evaluating your Detroit child custody attorney during the interview, he too is sizing up. He can refuse to take your case in the following circumstances:

(i) if he feels you are not speaking the truth or are a dishonest person;

(ii) your case holds no water;

(iii) your case is only about passion and revenge;

(iv) you have fired lawyers previously;

(v) you negotiate on the fees or try to cut corners unnecessarily.