Stephen Dennis Long

Stephen Long

When your lawyer negotiates settlement terms prior to the final hearing, with your input, and indicates that it is a fair settlement, don't be surprised that when you suddenly decide, contrary to the advice of counsel, to "advocate your final terms" anew at the final settlement hearing, that you end up getting "screwed in your divorce." Ultimately, the client gets what he wants, and all an attorney can do is advised him as to the options. Do not be surprised, however, if as a client you ignore the advice of counsel and "do it yourself" that your counsel comes off as passive, as the only other alternative would be to openly show your displeasure with the client in front of the opposing party and their counsel and the court.