Our Process
When someone calls our office for the first time, they may not know all of their options or rights. If there is a chance to save a marriage or relationship, we can offer referrals to professionals who may be able to help salvage it. Family law services are the “last resort.” However, once legal action has been decided upon, or initiated by another party, we begin a supportive, solution-driven partnership with our clients.
Step 1
Intake Process
When you call HFLG for the first time, we’ll take you through our Intake process to make sure we can represent you. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about you and your situation, why you’re calling our office, and what you want us to know.
Step 2
Initial Consultation
After your Intake call with our staff and an appointment is scheduled, bringing the following documents and information will make sure you get the best “bang for your buck”:
If there is no court case already filed:
- Your most-recent tax return
- Your last three paychecks
- A diary or notes of issues related to child custody or visitation
- Any questions that you have
If there is an existing court case:
- The Judgment or Order currently in effect
- Any Request for Orders or other court action filed by the other side
- Any emails, text messages, or other communications about the existing orders and why they should be changed (from either side)
- If support or finances are an issue: your most-recent tax return
- For support or an attorneys’ fees request: your last three paychecks
- If child custody or visitation is an issue: A diary or notes of issues related to what needs to be modified, any relevant photos or other information showing what is the change of circumstances that is impacting the children’s best interests
Step 3
Advancing the Case
Our firm’s team approach ensures that the partner, associate, paralegal. and even the file clerk are all aware of what is going on in each client’s file. Casework is delegated based upon its complexity, the strengths of the team members, and the best interest of the client. Continuity, office communication, and client communication are top priorities, and are all enhanced by this approach. Most clients are assigned to the attorney to whom they were originally referred; however, our ultimate aim is to obtain the best outcome by creating the ideal match of expertise with needs.
Step 4
Collaborating with Experts
Over the years, HFLG has worked with practically every expert witness for a family law matter. Our case planning starts with an analysis of what we need to bring to the court to achieve the best result, which sometimes requires expert testimony. That means that we engage the services of an expert – be it a forensic accountant, vocational examiner, real estate appraiser, or mental health professional – early in the case. We also see whether our clients need other forms of legal services, such as estate planning or business law specialists. Utilizing experts and attorneys with expertise in other fields ensures that our clients are aware of their case’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to best approach settlement. Our firm philosophy is “Settle what you can, litigate what you must.”
Step 5
Sensitivity to Special Concerns
Recognizing that divorce or other family law situations can be highly emotional, we have cultivated relationships with key local resources to offer assistance. Whether clients need referrals for child counseling, housing challenges, or other forms of protection or support, we can help. For example, our long-standing ties to the Domestic Violence community through Laura’s House and Human Options gives us a unique ability to make sure that victims of Domestic Violence are treated respectfully, and that those wrongly accused are defended appropriately.
Step 6
Careful Allocation of Resources Creates Cost Efficiency
By leveraging our associates and our experienced paralegals, we provide tailored, effective services in the most cost-effective manner. It is sometimes more cost-effective for the case to be managed by an associate under the supervision of a partner or senior attorney. Clients then benefit from getting their needs address at the lower hourly rate of the associate. The depth of our team’s knowledge and our focus on serving clients’ specific needs and priorities drives our practice.