Consider Obtaining a Second Opinion
on Your Family Law or Divorce Case
Everybody seems to have an opinion about most things, and I am regularly struck by how often parties in dissolution or other family law proceedings ask their friends, intimates, co-workers and families what they recommend about the parties' circumstances or court experiences. Much of the advice received from such lay persons is un-informed, but the tendency for us to seek reassurance is understandable given our hard-wired desire to relieve the anxiety we experience when traversing unfamiliar territories.
I just want you to have good insights for reliably navigating your way through this crisis, and so to avoid mistakes or 'blowing yourself up.' A large portion of my practice includes taking cases over after a lawyer or party has
obtained a bad result and it is always much harder to 'unring a bell' then it is to avoid mis-steps at the outset.
If your issues are emotional a therapist can help; if they are legal, consult with a
qualified attorney specialist. A lawyer with a general practice (i.e., who advertises DUI's, personal injury claims, or civil litigation as well as divorce related matters) may or may not be adequate for answering family law questions of any subtlety or complexity. In smaller counties it may be difficult to find a divorce specialist, and the number of attorney options is limited. In some communities, or with high visibility litigants, there may be privacy reasons that make you reluctant to ask all the questions you require answers to.
The fact is that matrimonial law is more complicated than almost any other area, and made even more so because people's lives are so diverse and good strategies are fact specific. Lawyers who are recognized by the California State Bar as Certified Specialists are highly regarded, motivated, educated, and trained.
Whether you are a self-represented party or presently have an attorney, you will only benefit from consulting with an expert family lawyer and obtaining a second opinion on your matters. For some an hour's time may be all you need to gain a much clearer understanding of where you are and where you are headed. This may result in efficiencies that pay important dividends: This is a critical juncture in your life.
The Law Firm of Thurman W. Arnold is available to review your case with you no matter where in California you reside. Because it is impractical and expensive for me to represent people in distant counties, my input is not designed to convince you to retain me - adding a layer of trustworthiness to our dialogue that you may find soothing. I charge $350/hour for such consults (below my regular hourly rate), with a one hour minimum, on a pay as you go credit card basis. This avoids the necessity for retainer deposits and allows you to control the amount of this legal expense in real time.
We can interact in person or by WebCam or telephone, as you find most convenient. Since I have a thriving litigation and family mediation practice, I try to dedicate Fridays for these meetings but do offer flexibility in an effort to meet your scheduling needs (including a willingness to consult in the evenings and on some weekend days if that is really your best time). Appointments are scheduled through Diane Dancy at my office. I am sorry, but I don't offer free half hour consults for this type of service.
~ Good luck out there! ~
Testimonials
"I sought a second opinion from Thurman Arnold, as I felt like I needed some assurances
about what my current lawyer was doing with my case, and I also needed advice.
In one hour, Mr. Arnold provided me with a legal strategy and more specific advice
than my current lawyer has provided me with (and billed me for) over the course of the past 3 weeks.
I will continue to seek backup advice and strategy assistance from Mr. Arnold.
I would have hired him as my primary attorney immediately,
but for the fact that I live in a different city. When it comes to family law matters,
expertise, experience and knowledge is critical. He is well worth the money."
JR, San Diego, 4/17/11
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"I decided to go take on my child support modification case without
the assistance of an attorney until 3 weeks had passed and I had more questions
without answers than I began with. Then on a Saturday I caved in
and wrote Mr. Arnold about my case and issues I was having with the legal procedures.
To my surprise, he responded within 30 minutes that same day with a detailed
10 paragraph response answering all of my very specific questions.
Mr. Arnold has since continued to offer his expertise on my seemingly
never ending Family Law issues and while I wouldn't tell people not to try
and handle their case alone because it can be rewarding,
I would definitely recommend Thurman Arnold if you find yourself in over your head.
Thanks again!"
Dora M., 9/18/10
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