Attorneys have an ethical duty to keep their client’s informed. Unfortunately, our clients don’t always do a good job of keeping attorney informed of their comings and goings. One of the things that I have repeatedly stated was that the legal process is invariably a lengthy process so you don’t always get the result that you are looking for as fast as YOU would like it. As such, it is important to let your attorney know where you are:
1) Just because you haven’t heard from your attorney, doesn’t mean your case is dead. Alot of times, there will be significant gaps in time while your case is going through litigation or pre-litigation.
2) If you’re going to give up your case, LET your attorney know. Sometimes, people will just abandon their case because they think that there is nothing left to do. As such, they will give up on the case. Unfortunately, attorneys can’t close your case just because you have walked away. If you don’t tell them, they will keep going.
3) Sometimes, not knowing where YOU are will hold up the process. It’s amazing the number of people who don’t appreciate the fact that if the attorney needs to get to know about something and they CAN’T, this holds up YOUR case. You should always be accessible.
4) Give a back up number. Times get tough and alot of times, you may be moving from house to house. Give a few numbers to your attorney so your attorney can locate you if they need you.
Remember, the legal process is a two way street. Even though your attorney runs the case, you may have to make some crucial decisions. If the attorney can’t find you, then how can the decisions be made??
