You should not hire a lawyer who is not a good negotiator. Although some family law cases are litigated, more than 90% of these cases are ultimately settled and do not go to trial. To obtain the best possible outcome in your divorce case, you must hire a seasoned, experienced family law specialist to represent you, and the art of negotiation is the most important skill this lawyer should have.
Typically, cases get settled at four-way meetings, at mediations, in settlement conferences, and other similar negotiation settings. A skilled attorney will have all of his/her discovery completed, have updated values of all assets and debts, know the intricacies of the incomes of the parties, and be otherwise as prepared as possible both prior to and during the settlement meeting. This way, the attorney will have the maximum amount of leverage to put your position in the best and most favorable light. In short, the attorney must have all of his/her “ducks in a row” to negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
John Gilligan is a founding partner at the family law firm offices of Brandmeyer Gilligan Dockstader & Davidson, LLP in Long Beach, CA. John has over 30 years of experience handling family law, probate litigation, and estate planning matters. He can be reached directly at 562-431-2000.
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