Choosing the right divorce attorney is one of the most important steps a potential divorce litigant can make to ensure the success their divorce case. Vetting a potential attorney's legal experience and seeking information regarding his or her hourly rate are both effective methods to employ in choosing the right divorce attorney. But, there is one vital topic that many litigants often overlook when interviewing potential divorce attorneys: the attorney's client communication policy.
Inquiring into an attorney's policies regarding responding to client communication is vital, because a breakdown in communication between attorney and client often leads to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. In fact, the number one complaint or dissatisfaction expressed by divorce clients is the failure of their divorce attorney to timely return telephone calls and emails. To avoid entering into an unhappy attorney-client relationship, anyone considering divorce in Georgia should ask the following questions of all potential divorce attorneys they interview:
- Does your office have a written policy regarding client contact and communication?
- How soon do you response to client telephone calls and emails?
- How does your office schedule in person client meetings?
- Do you respond to all client communication personally, or is support staff assigned to respond to certain communication?
- Is it easier to reach you by telephone or email?
- How does your office bill for client communication by telephone and email?