How to Understand and Relate to Your Attorney

It seems like clients struggle in dealing with their attorney.  My paralegal is telling me all the time that we attorneys are problem solvers and not great listeners.  I am not sure that is totally correct but you should know that your attorney is all about getting something done for their client.  We do care about you (at least most of us care about our clients).  We need to talk to you when there is work to be done.  We want to talk to you when you need direction on what to do.  Other times, clients are way better off talking to the paralegal.  If there are questions on how to fill something out or if you need to be at a court date, don't leave a message for the attorney.  Your paralegal is there to walk you though everything and honestly they sometimes are better at explaining things to you.  Attorneys think they are doing a great job explaining things but it is because it all seems so simple and basic to us.  Often we forget that our clients don't have a clue about what is going on in their case.  So if your attorney is speaking above you and you don't understand, call them out on it.  It is certainly NOT intentional.  We want to be helpful and make sure you understand everything.  So give us a little slack once in awhile.  Just let us know we need to try it again.  Remind the attorney it is like talking to their computer tech guy.  It seems pretty simple but if you don't speak the language, you might just be totally lost. 

Another good pointer...your attorney has a ton of cases going on at all times.  They are constantly putting out fires and trying to prioritize cases.  If your attorney is taking a while to get back to you, use the secret weapon-- the paralegal.  Our paralegals will get on to us to make sure that the client's question is answered.  Sometimes we just don't have time to pull the file and take care of the issue because we have emergencies with other clients.  So again, just please try and understand that your case is extremely important to the attorney; however, if we are fighting to get a child back to the custodial parent because the non-custodial parent won't return the child, or an emergency bankruptcy filing, or 500 other possibilities your question may need to wait just a little bit.  It does not mean that we don't care about you or your case.  It is just a fact that there is not one attorney out there that is ever "caught up".  It is the nature of our profession to have a million things on our desk.  Your paralegal is the best bet in resolving something a little bit faster.  For me, email is great too but again, some days I don't have much of a chance to get to everybody.

So, I want you to know that I care about your case and I care about you.  I am terrible with the phone because I have a million things due everyday.  Email me.  Call Judi to sit on me.  I promise that I will do the best to represent you and give you the best service possible. 

Thank you to all my clients who say "thanks" every once in awhile.  I so appreciate it.  If you rave about Judi, I let her know that she is appreciated by the clients. 

Sometimes it is hard to look beyond our circumstances and the moment.  We will help make sure that it all works out for you.  Trust us and we will do all we can to help you through your legal issues.

Stop Foreclosures and save your house

We can help you save your home!

So many homeowners are facing foreclosures. People keep trying loan modifications with their lender, but they are getting nowhere. The problem with loan mods is that the lender must have current income and asset information when they review your file. You have done your part (if they ever sent you the loan packet in the first place) but by the time they get to your file in the huge pile on their desk, all your information is stale. Meanwhile, the loan has been placed in foreclosure status. The two departments have no idea about the actions of the other. I have had clients who were told by the loan modification department not to worry about the foreclosure letters but the foreclosure when through anyway. While this could be a wrongful foreclosure, you would still have to fight it.

So what is a home owner to do? The only sure fire way to make sure you have protection is bankrutpcy.

Call us at Law In Kansas City for your free consultation.
816-479-2700.
721 NE 76th St., Kansas City, MO 64118
www.lawinkc.com

Dealing with the Stress of Financial Downfall

Recently I spoke with a client who asked me how I looked at God in his financial struggle. I asked him to help me better understand his question. What he really wanted to know was "where is God?" Have you ever felt like you did all that you should, prayed, went to church, did the "right" things and you are still having some issue in your life that seems to swallow you alive? You don't understand how God could let this happen to you? You are praying for God to help but nothing seems to change?

Well, I am not a pastor and I don't have all the answers. I have looked this question over for years. I have talked to so many people. I have read any book I could find. Recently we had a sermon series on the book THE SHACK. It dealt with these same issues and questions. Great book if you have not read it.

After all the "research" I have done on the subject I only know three things for sure-- God loves us. God is with us. God will bring good out of what is happening in your life.

I do know how devastating it is to feel like you are going to lose everything. I do know that for some people, bankruptcy is a great option. I know that things like draining your 401K is NOT the answer for 99% of the people. I do know that loan modifications are possible but are a nightmare if you do not have some help.

So regardless of the cause of your situation, I know that there IS a solution. If you want to talk about a way back to financial freedom and how you can get a fresh start, my initial consultation is free. Take the first step and let me see how I can help you.

Don't forget to keep praying even if it seems like there is not an answer coming any time soon. Remember that we have not because we ask not. You will find an answer.

For those of you who are struggling, let me give you one other piece of advice-- give to others. Whether it is a thoughtful comment, a compliment, a helping hand with your elderly neighbors yard or a single mom who needs some help-- whatever you can do. Helping others will help your feeling of adequacy and worth. Sitting at home worrying does not really help you. Do whatever you can, whenever you can for whomever you can.