CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond promptly to emails, phone calls, and requests for information. Delays in communication can slow the progress of your case.
- Review all documents carefully before returning them. The information you provide is often used in court filings and legal documents, so complete and accurate responses are important.
- Submit requested forms, records, and supporting documents as quickly as possible. Missing information can delay the next step in the process.
- Keep us informed of any changes to your contact information, address, employment, household, or other circumstances that may affect your case.
- Be patient with the legal process. Specifically for adoptions, these timelines are often affected by court schedules, agency requirements, and factors outside of our (and your) control.
- Refer to our emails, timelines, and infographics throughout your case so you always know what to expect and where you are in the process.
MANAGING COMMUNICATION
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Email is the preferred method of communication. Messages are typically reviewed and answered once or twice each business day.
- Most emails are answered within 1–2 business days during normal office hours.
- Because our days are often scheduled with mediations, meetings, court appearances, and consultations, unscheduled phone calls are generally not accepted.
- If you need to speak by phone, please leave a detailed voicemail and include your email address. We will respond or provide instructions for scheduling a call.
- All phone calls, consultations, and mediation sessions are scheduled in advance so that we have adequate time to address your concerns.
- Please respond promptly to requests for information, documents, and scheduling. Delays may affect the progress of your matter.
DOCUMENT HANDLING
MEDIATION SCHEDULING
MEDIATION SCHEDULING
- Most communication and document sharing will take place by email and/or through our secure file-sharing system.
- Please check your email regularly and add our office to your safe sender list so important messages do not go to spam.
- Court-filed originals and other documents requiring an original signature may be mailed to you when necessary. PLEASE NOTE: Our office maintains electronic copies rather than paper files.
- Your file will remain securely available through our system during your case and for at least 90 days after our representation ends.
- It is your responsibility to download and save any documents you would like to keep before the 90-day period expires.
- You are responsible for keeping all original signed documents, court orders, and other important records in a safe place for future reference.
- If you retain new counsel, we will transfer your file electronically in a secure and efficient manner.
- ACCESSING YOUR DIGITAL DOCUMENTS: To access your documents, you will need a working email address and software capable of opening PDFs and reading word processing documents.
MEDIATION SCHEDULING
MEDIATION SCHEDULING
MEDIATION SCHEDULING
- Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Limited Saturday mediation appointments may be available by request.
- Our office is closed on all federal and state holidays, the week of Thanksgiving, the last two weeks of December, and the first week of January.
- Mediation sessions may be canceled or rescheduled with at least 72 hours’ notice or 3 business days, whichever is greater.
- Please arrive on time and plan to remain for the full mediation session so that we can make the best use of our time together.