You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and
consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers
and personnel in your lawyer's office.
You are entitled to an attorney capable of
handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in
accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you
are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you
have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship
at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and
your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of
services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
You are entitled to your lawyer's independent
professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by
conflicts of interest.
You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee
and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will
be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are
entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from
your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter
into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory. In the
event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek
arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary
information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute,
or upon your request.
You are entitled to have your questions and
concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone
calls returned promptly.
You are entitled to be kept informed as to the
status of your matter and to request and receive copies of
papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you
to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.
You are entitled to have your legitimate
objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not
to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is
required in some matters).
You have the right to privacy in your dealings
with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences
preserved to the extent permitted by law.
You are entitled to have your attorney conduct
himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of
Professional Responsibility.
You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
Spousal Abuse: myths and facts
Overview of Divorces
Statute on counsel fees.
Equitable distribution,
maintenance and child support.
Divorces complicated by bankruptcy