Even when it’s a mutual end to a relationship that’s run its course, taking those first steps toward getting a divorce can be an emotionally complex and confusing time.
Fortunately, turning to the experienced family law team at Archer Law means you have a wealth of knowledge on your side. And hiring the right attorney for your divorce is the crucial first step in making a difficult process go as smoothly as possible while yielding the most favorable outcomes.
Archer’s family law team is capable of handling not only divorce but also its many related and often sensitive issues: custody, parental visits, child support, college contributions, alimony, relocation, adoption and domestic violence. For those who want to sidestep litigation, Archer can also provide mediation and arbitration as alternative avenues of resolution.
Members of the family law team at Archer provide some insight into how they help clients secure the best future for the family after a couple decides that divorce is the best solution, the importance of establishing an attorney/client relationship built on trust and more.
Stephanie J. Zane, Partner, Family Law Department Chair
St Joseph’s University
Rutgers University–Camden School of Law
Years of Experience: 21
Philosophy on building client relationships:
When I meet a potential client for an initial consultation, I believe it is important for the individual to be able to tell his/her/their story. This is often an emotionally trying time, and establishing a safe environment for the client to feel comfortable sharing sensitive information is key to forming the foundation for the attorney/client relationship.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
It is important to understand the goals of a client from the initial meeting so that there can be a clear understanding of the likelihood of achieving those goals through the litigation or mediation process. Frank conversations are often difficult conversations but in the long run allow the client to be focused on what is achievable during the process.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
Be prepared for the initial consultation to the best of your ability by knowing as much of the family financial picture as you can. The more information you can provide, the better the advice and the road map of the process will be.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
Hiring the right attorney is key during this process. Just as all cases are not the same, all lawyers are not the same. It is important to hire an attorney who you can talk to, who understands your goals and who has the knowledge, experience and resources to help you achieve those goals.
Drew A. Burach, Partner
Undergrad: University of Maryland
School of Law: Rutgers University
Years of Experience: 18
What is your philosophy on building client relationships?
There is significant value in listening—to learn and understand my client’s specific circumstances and, from there, how can I best use my knowledge, experience and resources to the maximum benefit of my client.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
It is a proactive process right from the start of our working together: Focus on the client’s goals and provide the client an understanding of how the law in New Jersey applies to each of those goals.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
From the beginning of the divorce process, surround yourself with people you trust and can depend on.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
You do not get a “do-over” on your divorce settlement. You have devoted so much time, as well as financial and emotional resources, to your marriage. Hiring the right attorney is a main component of making sure your settlement fulfills your rights under our law in consideration of all you put in to your marriage.
Tara L. Hanna, Associate
American University
Rutgers School of Law
Years of Experience: 9
What is your philosophy on building client relationships?
It helps to establish with my clients that I am a working parent, too, and can empathize with the wide range of emotions that come with family litigation. I also try to establish early on that I will listen carefully to their concerns and will advocate for them, but will not make promises I cannot keep.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
Providing a very honest opinion as to the risks and benefits of different positions from the very first consultation helps establish trust.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
Clients should go into a first consult with an open mind. Often what friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. say occurred in their divorce should be disregarded as much as possible because divorce is not one-size-fits-all.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
If you have an attorney who is not willing to be honest and upfront about the costs and benefits of different positions, you could spend a lot of time and money pursuing avenues that ultimately do not benefit you or your family. It will pay dividends to find an attorney who you can trust is not just telling you what you want to hear.
Marie E. Lihotz, Of Counsel
University of Delaware B.A.
Villanova University School of Law J.D.
New York University School of Law L.L.M. (taxation)
Years of Experience: 42
What is your philosophy on building client relationships?
Litigation presents one of the most important life events for anyone. Clients must be comfortable the attorney they choose is a knowledgeable and practical advisor, who clearly and concisely provides possible outcomes, which allow the client to make informed decisions. Listening, understanding and explaining the process is key.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
Clients must be told the likelihood of success, as well as the uncertainties accompanying litigation. When a client feels safe to be absolutely candid and reveal all facts that might impact a result, then meaningful discussions illuminate possible outcomes.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
Divorce is a lengthy legal process, focused on information-gathering vital to understanding issues that impact success. Emotions triggered by the litigation process must be managed constructively. The best way to do this is work toward a mediated result—settle some or all issues that arise.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
Your attorney tells your story to the court. You must be comfortable your counsel listens to your requests, understands what a judge needs to know to reach those results, keeps you informed so you can make decisions, and ultimately conveys your message accurately and professionally.
Jennie A. Owens, Partner
Undergrad School: Rutgers University
Rutgers University–Camden School of Law
Years of Experience: 15
What is your philosophy on building client relationships?
For most people, going through a divorce will be the most difficult thing that they will go through. Understanding a client’s goals from inception and providing them with the roadmap and the tools to get to the finish line are vital.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
I believe that it is important for my clients to understand the range of possibilities should their matter be presented to a court, and whether mediation/arbitration would achieve a better result for them. My clients can expect to receive honest, realistic advice.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
My advice is different for every client, as each divorce is different. My advice is tailored to each individual person’s circumstances and their goals.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
It is important that you hire an attorney that you trust and that is honest with you. You need to be able to understand all of the possibilities of your matter—including an outcome that you may not desire. You need to be able to have honest, frank conversations with your attorney so that you can make the best choices for yourself and your family.
William J. Thompson, Of Counsel
Juniata College
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Years of Experience: 42
What is your philosophy on building client relationships?
Building client relationships requires an ongoing commitment to quality, integrity, and trust. Focus must always be on the client’s needs and goals, which must be pursued together in an efficient manner.
How do you manage your clients’ expectations?
As in many other areas of practice, managing a client’s expectations is critical to success. Clients need to understand the options to achieve their goals, but also the obstacles and costs involved. Most importantly, attorneys must never make promises they cannot keep, and to the greatest extent possible, keep the promises they do make.
What do you feel is the best piece of advice you can give a client seeking a divorce?
Recognize that divorce is not about winning, nor getting even with a spouse. Divorce is emotionally difficult and almost everyone in the process ends with less, not more.
Why is it so important to hire the right attorney?
The right attorney will guide the client throughout each step of the process. That attorney will keep the client fully advised and involved, answering each question raised by the client. The wrong attorney may be non-responsive, leading to unnecessary expense, and leaving the client with more questions than answers.
Archer Family Law
1025 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees
(856) 795-2121
Archer-Family-Law.com
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 4.
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