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Philosophy for Law Practice

Objectives

Attorney Smith's objectives are for clients to:

Receive competent legal advice and understand their options,

Save money,    

Preserve Relationships and

Obtain an acceptable conclusion within a reasonable period of time.

Attorney Smith believes that her clients are best served by attempting at the onset of a case to attempt resolution as a high majority of civil cases ultimately are resolved without going to trial.  She has been successful in resolving many disputes.  However, if the case does not settle, she has substantial litigation experience and  a good record in litigating civil cases before a judge.  In all cases, Fee Agreements must be signed.

Family Law Cases

Anita Wyzanski Robboy, in her book entitled Aftermarriage: The Myth of Divorce, states that 95% of divorce cases settle out of court.  In family law cases, Ms. Smith pursues the mandatory document exchange and then attempts to resolve the case early in the process where the other party and his or her attorney are amenable to settlement.

Options for Resolving Civil Cases

Attorney Smith participates in the following:

Negotiation with counsel and parties to attempt settlement,

Collaborative Law Process,*

Mediation and  

Litigation.  

*For more information about Collaborative Law in Massachusetts, please see: http://www.massclc.org

(c) Copyright 2007. Debra L. Smith. All Rights Reserved.