Tag: Divorce

Tips for Hiring an Experienced Divorce LawyerTips for Hiring an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

hiring an experienced Divorce Lawyer

The decision to end a marriage is never easy, and if children are involved, it can be even more difficult. Divorce proceedings can have long-lasting implications for your finances, parenting and relationship with your spouse, so it is important that you work with an experienced St. Louis, MO divorce lawyer to protect your interests and your future.

Your lawyer should be able to communicate with you clearly. This means not only explaining your legal options in a straightforward manner but also listening to you. Over the course of multiple meetings, you will convey to your attorney information about intimate details of your life, including your hopes and dreams for the future, and your financial status. In order to represent you effectively, your lawyer needs to understand the full scope of your situation and be able to convey that to your spouse and their attorneys as well.

A good divorce lawyer should be able to take the initiative and push your case forward, but they should also listen to you and work on your terms. If you are hesitant to settle, or if your spouse is refusing to negotiate in good faith, then it may be necessary to take aggressive action by filing a complaint or requesting a restraining order. A good divorce lawyer will explain their strategy for your case and let you know if they think it is in your best interest to settle or fight.

The right Divorce Lawyer will help you navigate complicated issues like property division, alimony and child custody. They will be able to evaluate your financial standing and determine what you are entitled to under New York state law. A good divorce lawyer will also help you set realistic goals and expectations. For example, if you are not the primary breadwinner of your household, it may be unreasonable to expect you to pay substantial spousal support.

You can find a qualified divorce lawyer by asking friends, family members and other professionals for recommendations. Once you have narrowed your list, interview your top candidates. Ask to see their portfolio and discuss their experience in your type of case. Ask about their approach to divorce, how they communicate with their clients and how much they charge for their services.

Brendan Davis is one of the leading Flat Fee Divorce lawyers in St. Louis Missouri. He has a strong reputation for providing compassionate and empathetic representation to his clients while maintaining a high level of professionalism. You can contact him for a free consultation by calling or filling out his online form. He will respond promptly to your questions and concerns. He has over fifteen years of experience representing individuals and families in complex divorces, separations and other family law cases. He is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. This is an organization of family law attorneys who are committed to advancing the profession and the quality of service. He is an AV rated lawyer by Martindale-Hubble, and has been named one of the best lawyers in Missouri.

What To Do Before Making A Final Decision in Hiring a Divorce LawyerWhat To Do Before Making A Final Decision in Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Hiring a good Divorce Lawyer

A good divorce lawyer will know how to handle your case, and how to best protect your rights. They should be experienced in the legal system, local court procedures and judges, and they should also have an impressive record when it comes to handling divorce cases that are similar to yours. The first thing to do is ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently gotten divorced. They will likely be able to give you their personal experiences and recommend a divorce attorney that they liked working with.

Another way to find the right Houston Divorce Lawyer is to interview several potential attorneys before making your final choice. A good lawyer will listen to your concerns, and answer your questions clearly and concisely. They should also be accessible, and provide regular updates on the progress of your case. In addition, they should be willing to work with you on your budget, and create a fee structure that works within your financial constraints.

Some of the most difficult issues that come up in a divorce involve child custody and visitation. Emotions run high during a divorce, and it is common for warring spouses to disagree on what is in the best interests of their children. A Houston Divorce Lawyer can help parents forge compromises that protect their relationship and assure the child’s best interest is met.

The other area of focus is property division. This involves determining what is a fair share of the marital assets, and how to fairly distribute them between the spouses. This is often a complex issue that requires the help of a skilled lawyer.

Divorce is a stressful time, and it can be hard to find the right legal representation. Choosing the wrong attorney can end up costing you a lot of money in fees and lost opportunities for your future. Taking the time to do your research and choose the right divorce attorney will be well worth it in the long run.

Attorney Brendan Davis is an experienced Houston divorce lawyer at Davis and Associates. She provides personable and thorough representation in all areas of family law, including divorce, spousal support, equitable distribution, custody and visitation, domestic violence, and more. She has over 14 years of experience and a perfect 10 rating on Justia. Contact her today to schedule a confidential evaluation of your case. She is also an accredited mediator and a licensed mental health professional, allowing her to combine her legal and medical knowledge of psychological dynamics in relationships to better serve clients. She has represented a diverse clientele in all aspects of family law, including high-net worth divorces and complex disputed asset divisions. She is also experienced in adoption, child custody, and restraining orders. She has extensive experience representing military members and their families as well.

Why it’s important to hire a Divorce Lawyer when facing a divorce?Why it’s important to hire a Divorce Lawyer when facing a divorce?

Divorce Lawyer

When you’re facing a divorce, it’s important to hire an experienced Divorce Lawyer in Chicago who can help you navigate the complex legal process. They’ll protect your interests and fight for what you deserve.

The best divorce lawyers have years of experience dealing with a wide variety of family law cases. They know how to approach each situation and develop an effective strategy that will result in the outcome you want.

How to Choose a Good Divorce Attorney

When choosing a divorce lawyer, it’s important to pick one that has the right personality and experience. It’s also important to consider your unique circumstances and your goals.

You’ll be sharing a lot of private information with your lawyer, so it’s vital to find one who can communicate clearly and understand your needs. They’ll be able to provide the guidance and support you need, while keeping your emotions in check so you can make informed decisions.

Whether you’re going through a simple or complex divorce, your attorney should be able to answer all your questions and explain the entire process in plain English. This will give you peace of mind, and make the process less stressful for you.

Your attorney should be able to work with you on a fair division of property and debt. This is often referred to as equitable distribution, which means that the court will allocate marital assets and debts in a way that’s fair for both parties.

If you have children, your divorce lawyer should be able to address child custody and visitation issues in addition to asset and debt division. A knowledgeable Chicago divorce lawyer will be able to negotiate with your spouse to reach an agreement that’s in the best interest of your children.

A qualified divorce lawyer can also help you settle your case outside of the courtroom. This can save you time, money, and stress.

They should also be able to handle complicated financial matters such as business valuations and retirement account investments. These are crucial in determining the amount of property each party is awarded, as well as the level of spousal maintenance or child support they will receive.

You should also hire a divorce lawyer who has the expertise to handle any complex family law issues that may arise during your case, such as child abuse and parental alienation. These are the most common issues that can arise in a divorce and can be extremely difficult to resolve on your own.

Finding a good Chicago divorce lawyer will take some time and research. However, it’s well worth the effort in the long run.

It’s important to choose a lawyer who has a reputation for being honest about fees and providing excellent service. Ask to see their fees and payment plans so you can ensure they’re a good fit for your budget.

Your divorce lawyer should be able to keep you informed of the progress of your case and be available to talk with you whenever needed. They should be able to answer your questions and respond quickly to your emails and phone calls.

How a Family Lawyer Can Help in Divorce Law Matters?How a Family Lawyer Can Help in Divorce Law Matters?

Phoenix Family Lawyer

Phoenix Family Lawyers can be of great assistance when dealing with any family law matter. They are familiar with all areas of family law and can provide guidance when needed. However, it is important to keep in mind that family law is a complex area. This is especially true when you are dealing with issues concerning children. As such, it can be difficult to make the right decision. By seeking the services of a reputable Phoenix Family Lawyer, you can ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

The most common family law matters involve children. This is especially true if the couple in question is separating. In addition to deciding which parent should live with the child, a divorced couple may also need to determine the best parenting plan for their youngster. Often, a Phoenix Family Lawyer will advise a client on how to craft a custody agreement that is in the best interests of the children.

Other family law related matters abound. These include child support, spousal maintenance, and prenuptial agreements. Although some of these matters are trivial, others can be extremely difficult to understand. It is in these cases that it is essential to seek legal counsel. A Phoenix family law lawyer can help you with everything from establishing paternity to determining which assets are marital and which are separate.

For example, a Phoenix family lawyer may assist a divorcing couple in securing protective restraining orders. These are legal documents designed to prevent domestic violence. When one spouse commits acts of domestic violence, the other party has the right to file for a protective order.

Similarly, a Phoenix family lawyer will have the capability to handle any other complicated legal issues that arise in a divorce. These may include modifying a child support order or resolving other legal disputes. Another example is a community property dispute. Unless the two parties are on the same page, it can be difficult to find out what belongs to each. A Phoenix community property lawyer will be able to ensure that the marital estate is properly divided and that the property of each party is not misclassified as part of the marital estate.

Having an attorney represent your best interests during a divorce or other family law related matter is always a good idea. Not only is it a wise decision to seek the assistance of an expert, but it can also save you time and money in the long run.

While there are many factors to consider when choosing a family lawyer, the most important consideration is cost. A Phoenix Family Lawyer can help you to save money by helping to resolve your family law issues in an expedient manner.

Some examples of the more exciting items to handle may include a protective restraining order, a joint custody agreement, a joint mortgage, or a joint vacation schedule. There are numerous other items to consider, but a Phoenix Family Lawyer can provide you with the legal knowledge to successfully tackle any family law situation.

What Is The Most Effective Way To Deal With Divorce?What Is The Most Effective Way To Deal With Divorce?

When you are facing the possibility of divorce, it’s important to consider the most effective ways to deal with the situation. Getting help from a Spring Hill divorce attorney in Florida is a great way to ensure that the paperwork is completed correctly and that your best interests are protected. It’s also wise to choose a lawyer with experience in the area of your particular case.

You may have heard that your divorce lawyer can help you get spousal support. This can be a difficult issue to deal with on your own. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that the payments are fair and adequate.

Hiring a lawyer for your divorce can be a complicated decision. The decision should be made with the appropriate amount of caution, however. Choosing the wrong attorney can result in poor outcomes and can even put your financial future at risk. Having a lawyer on your side will give you the peace of mind you need as you go through the process of ending your marriage. Click here for more information.

Divorce is a highly emotional and contentious process. There are many legal pitfalls involved. For example, alimony can prolong the process, whereas child custody can be a huge issue. Often, hiring an experienced attorney is the only way to ensure that your best interests are fully represented in the courtroom.

A top divorce lawyer is typically equipped with a team of assistants and charges between $300 and $500 an hour. They usually have beautiful offices and expensive cars.

Getting a divorce is not the easiest thing to do, especially if you have children. The financial and emotional aspects of your marriage are likely to be difficult to navigate on your own. An experienced Spring Hill divorce attorney will make sure that the right paperwork is completed and that your best interests are protected.

Choosing a lawyer that specializes in women’s issues can make a big difference in the settlement of your divorce. They can negotiate a spousal support agreement that is fair and can even prevent you from experiencing major life changes after your divorce is finalized.

In the legal community, the best divorce attorney is usually one that provides a high degree of ethical and professional service. It’s always a good idea to check with the State Bar Association to ensure that an attorney has the correct credentials and is a member of the local bar.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a Spring Hill divorce lawyer is to find the one that suits you. It is important to choose the right type of attorney based on your needs, but you should not be too picky about what you want. Be aware that there are many lawyers who are less than stellar at executing their legal duties.

Although a divorce can be a scary and complex matter, you can avoid much of the stress associated with it by enlisting the help of an experienced Tampa divorce lawyer. Regardless of whether you are filing for an uncontested divorce or are dealing with more complicated issues, an experienced attorney can help you get the most out of the experience.

Child Custody Guidelines – Best Interests of Your Children Come FirstChild Custody Guidelines – Best Interests of Your Children Come First

When it comes to child custody, most parents are looking out for the best interests of their children. However, they sometimes make mistakes that can cause them to lose child custody. For example, they may say things that make the situation more difficult. Or they may feel that they have been wronged by their ex-spouse and want to get revenge. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that the best interests of your children always come first.

It is very important for parents to keep in mind the developmental needs of their children and stick to their time-sharing schedule. It is also important that the parents communicate as often as possible. This can help them keep in touch with their children and maintain their mental health. In addition to this, it is essential that they meet the needs of their children, especially if they are school age. Here are some guidelines that can help you keep the best interest of your children in mind:

There are many factors that go into determining child custody and visitation. While each state has its own specific list of factors, the primary focus of the courts is on the child’s best interests. Courts will consider the child’s well-being and the mental health of the parents. A child custody court will also look at the parents’ ability to co-parent and the time they spend with their children. This means that if both parents work full-time, the courts may award one parent less time with their children. Seek legal help from the best child custody attorney in San Diego.

Child custody can also include determining whether the mother will have primary custody of the child. In California, a child’s legal father must sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity or obtain an Order of Filiation from the court to establish that he or she is the child’s biological father. It is important that the child’s legal father be listed on the child’s birth certificate. Otherwise, the child’s birth mother’s spouse will be presumed to be the child’s parent unless a written agreement is in place between the two parties.

Courts also consider the conduct and lifestyle of both parents and their child when deciding between the parents. If the parents smoke, the child may be exposed to secondhand smoke. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke may be placed in foster care. The courts also consider the child’s exposure to secondhand smoke. If neither parent is able to provide the child with the basic needs, a court may award custody to a third party. A custody evaluation may also be conducted by guardian ad litem to determine which parent is best suited to care for the child.

The court is primarily concerned with the child’s best interests. A parent who is best able to provide the child with a stable environment will likely be granted custody. In addition to this, the court will also consider the child’s relationship with the other parent. Young children may be assigned to the primary caregiver, while an older child may be assigned to the parent who can provide continuity in their religious life, neighborhood, or school. Even the mental health of both parents will be taken into consideration.

A parent can be granted joint or sole legal custody of a child. Joint legal custody means that one parent will have joint or sole physical custody of the child. A parent who has joint custody will usually be awarded the rights of primary custody. However, a parent with sole custody is typically deemed unfit for care of the child. Other factors that may influence the award of custody include alcohol or drug abuse, neglect, or child abuse. A court may also award sole custody to a parent who abused or neglected the child.

If the parent does not have the ability to make these decisions themselves, the court may grant temporary child custody orders. Temporary orders may provide relief while the court decides on final custody. In the meantime, a spouse can request temporary custody orders to ensure their financial needs are met and the child’s safety and well-being. This may prevent permanent orders from becoming permanent. In such a case, strong advocacy may be necessary to ensure the best interests of the child.

Shared custody is a type of parenting plan that involves the child living in both parents’ homes. However, the sole responsibility for critical decisions concerning the child’s welfare rests with one parent. Joint custody plans are often referred to as the 2-2-3 or 2-2-5 plan. These arrangements have a great chance of success if both parents are determined to be fit to raise a child. The 2-2-3 plan is the most common type of joint custody arrangement.

During a divorce, both parents should work together for the best interests of the children. In San Diego, joint custody is presumed to be in the best interests of the children. In San Diego, sole custody is extremely difficult to win, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. In San Diego, joint custody and time sharing are the most common forms of child custody.

Child Custody – How Does the Court Determine Child Custody?Child Custody – How Does the Court Determine Child Custody?

When parents separate, they will often adopt a temporary custody agreement. It is important to document the temporary nature of the arrangement. This can help the court determine what is in the best interest of the child. It is also important to remember that a child custody agreement is not final until the parents agree on it. If you believe that your child custody agreement is in jeopardy, a court hearing can help you make changes.

During the child custody hearing, the judge will determine what is in the best interest of the child. It is important to understand that the best interest of the child is often more important than the parents’ own. But in some cases, the best interests of the child can conflict with the parents’ constitutional rights. For example, the First Amendment protects parents from being compelled to raise their children in the religion of their choice. This can create a conflict with the mother’s custody request.

A child’s safety is paramount and courts have taken steps to ensure that children are safe from abuse and neglect. This includes conducting an in-camera interview with the child. Depending on the circumstances, the child may also be placed in foster care. If an abusive parent is found to be the child’s mother, the court will consider this as a factor when determining custody. This can make a huge difference in the child’s life.

Child custody can be a difficult issue to resolve. The first step is to determine what the child’s best interests are. This is a legal requirement if you want the child to live with you. The father must have consented to the arrangement in writing. The legal father must sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity and receive an Order of Filiation from the court. The father must also be listed on the child’s birth certificate. Otherwise, the birth mother’s spouse is presumed to be the child’s parent. Obtain legal advice from a Houston family law attorney specializing in child custody.

A court can grant sole physical custody or joint custody. The courts can also grant a joint managing conservatorship. This type of custody arrangement gives both parents the right to make lifestyle decisions for their children. This includes the right to make legal decisions and to participate in activities and after-school programs. This arrangement is usually best for parents who live in the same area. In addition, split custody is a type of custody arrangement in which the child lives with one parent and spends some time with the other parent.

Child custody cases can also involve a child’s adoption or foster care. These cases are special case and can be difficult to win. However, there are several ways for the child to be placed in the best home. There are state and federal laws that govern child custody cases. By following these guidelines, you can make the best decision for your child. A child custody decision can be difficult if you do not understand the law. So, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the law. If the other parent has been denying child custody, you should make sure that you know what to do in order to get custody of the child.

Until the late 1800’s, fathers had sole custody rights. However, the Tender Years Doctrine was found to be unconstitutional in many state courts. As a result, a gender-neutral child custody statute was adopted in 45 states by the 1990s. This change was brought about by the case Reed v. Reed, where the court found that a father’s opinion of his child should not be based on his or her gender.

Houston has implemented several mechanisms to determine what is in the best interest of the child. One of these mechanisms is the appointment of a Law Guardian, who represents the child’s best interests and advocate in court. A custody evaluation evaluates each parent’s care plan for the child. Having primary custody does not guarantee custody, so it is important to consult an attorney who specializes in child custody cases.

The court will decide whether to award joint legal custody or sole physical custody. In some cases, courts may grant joint physical custody to one parent and deny the noncustodial parent visitation rights. Generally, however, the courts will award joint legal custody to both parents in the best interests of the child.

 

 

What To Consider When Hiring A Divorce Lawyer?What To Consider When Hiring A Divorce Lawyer?

The number one divorce lawyer in california

Debra Schoenberg, the number one divorce lawyer in California, has more than 30 years of experience as a top divorce attorney. She was recently named to the National Law Journal’s list of Family/Elder Law Trailblazers, which recognizes attorneys who have made significant contributions to their field. In addition, she has been named to the San Francisco Business Times’ list of the top 100 women-owned businesses and is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top divorce lawyers by US News and World Report.

When choosing a divorce lawyer, be sure to hire a lawyer who takes the time to explain the issues involved in the family law case. A good lawyer will be aggressive, but never make assumptions when there are facts. A good divorce lawyer will work to settle the most basic issues on your case in a way that is consistent with California law.

When a couple files for divorce, they will need to exchange relevant documents. This includes the Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure, which includes information about each party’s assets and income. A divorce lawyer will also help you prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), which details the division of your assets and spousal support.

A California divorce can take six months or more to finalize. A more complicated divorce can take up to a year. A divorce attorney will provide you with powerful support throughout the process. They may even be able to help you modify the divorce decree if necessary. California courts allow divorce decrees to be modified after the divorce, allowing spouses to petition for these changes.

Divorce is an emotional and stressful time. Divorce terminology can be intimidating and confusing, but hiring an attorney can make the entire process much easier. A lawyer with years of experience and dedication can make all the difference in your case. He can help you reach a favorable settlement and eliminate significant stress from your life.

In Alkam Law Offices, offers divorce guidance and representation to residents of Orange County and surrounding metropolitan areas. She helps clients understand the complex legal issues involved in a divorce, including spousal support, child custody, and the division of community assets. In addition, she also acts as a mediator and arbitrator. She also donates her services to various charity organizations, including Laura’s House.

If you and your spouse have decided to file for divorce, you will need to meet residency requirements in California. The state requires that one spouse be a resident of the state for at least six months before a divorce can be filed. The other spouse must be a resident of the county where the divorce will be filed for at least three months.

Family Law – How to Start the Divorce ProcessFamily Law – How to Start the Divorce Process

A divorce requires both parties to agree on terms of the dissolution of the marriage. The court will schedule a settlement conference where the parties will meet with their attorneys. If the parties are unable to agree, the court will arrange for mediation. A neutral third party will mediate between the parties. Some states require mediation, and it can save time, money, and stress. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may qualify for free or low-cost legal assistance. Check with your local county bar association or legal aid office for help.

If the spouse is willing to sign the acknowledgment, the service of the divorce papers is usually simple. However, if the spouse is unwilling to sign the acknowledgment, or wants to stall the divorce, the process can become complicated. To avoid a delay, the filing spouse can hire a professional service to deliver legal documents to the other spouse. The service usually only costs a few dollars and can help the divorce proceeding move along without delay.

You can also obtain divorce forms from the county clerk’s office. However, it is highly recommended that you hire a skilled Miami divorce attorney. The courts in Miami have worked with the Miami Bar Association to create a comprehensive divorce packet. The cost of the divorce forms should be paid in full by cashier’s check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. In addition to using these forms, you must follow Miami Family Code rules to ensure the successful outcome of your divorce.

Divorce is more costly for women than for men. The Office of National Statistics reported that women are more likely than men to initiate a divorce. They also report a higher level of satisfaction after the divorce. While divorce is expensive, women are more likely to initiate divorce. Women also report higher levels of satisfaction after a divorce than men. These factors may contribute to the increased number of women filing for divorce. It is important to remember that the majority of divorce cases are women.

Another common cause of divorce is infidelity. A husband does not share the responsibility of child care or does not buy gifts for the wife. The husband also does not spend much time with his wife. As a result, the marriage feels empty to the wife. This is one of the primary reasons why divorce rates have increased in the past few years.

When you decide to file for divorce, you must follow certain procedures. The process takes at least 6 months. Each state has its requirements. In addition, some states have separate residence requirements. If you fail to meet these requirements, the court may reject your divorce petition. It is crucial to find out whether this requirement is required in your state before filing for divorce.

Divorce statistics indicate that women initiate divorce more often than men. This is partly because women tend to be more aware of the breakdown of their marriages than men. Women are also more likely to take action when the problems of their marriage become too much to handle. The divorce process is very emotional, and women are the most likely to initiate it.

Divorce rates have increased in the last decades. Men and women have become more financially independent, and women can no longer afford to stay in unhappy marriages where their needs are not being met. As a result, more women have started to initiate divorces on a larger scale. In addition, women who earned a higher education are more likely to seek a divorce than men.

Before pursuing a divorce, both spouses must disclose their assets and liabilities. They must also disclose their income and expenses. If the divorce is uncontested, this step is often quicker and less costly. Once the court has rendered a judgment, the divorce will be final and the parties cannot remarry. However, a trial or hearing may be necessary if there are any disputed issues.

Divorce settlements generally include a division of assets and debts. The division of property will be based on state laws. In most states, the court uses the equitable distribution principle. This means that the judge divides the marital property based on the facts of the case. This principle does not guarantee an equal distribution of the property, and it does not include debts that were accrued during the marriage.

 

 

The Best Way To Find a Family Law AttorneysThe Best Way To Find a Family Law Attorneys

Caring Family Law Attorneys

The best way to find a family law attorney that will put your needs before theirs is to read online reviews. You can narrow down your options by reading reviews and speaking with current clients. If the feedback you receive is good, that means your case is a good match. Caring attorneys take the time to get to know their clients and their needs. That way, you’ll have an easy time choosing the best one. Listed below are some characteristics of caring family law attorneys.

Financial hardships and family law are often linked, since many people who are going through a divorce struggle with financial problems. If you’re going through financial hardships, your attorney may be able to help you file bankruptcy if needed. If you’re going through a divorce, you may be eligible to receive child support from the court, and if you’re a father, you’ll need to establish paternity.

Experienced family law attorneys in West Palm Beach, Florida know that negotiating private issues can be difficult and emotionally challenging. The decisions made during a divorce can have lasting effects on their clients for years to come. That’s why the best family law attorneys know how to protect their clients’ rights. In addition to their expertise and experience, they understand that family law attorneys should always treat each client with respect and honor their wishes. They’ll spend the time necessary to draft a legal plan for the future and minimize their clients’ damages.

Zach Jackson, a North Carolina family law attorney, has been rated one of the best in the state. He has extensive experience helping clients navigate the divorce process. Family law attorneys must work with both spouses to decide on critical issues like how shared property will be divided. Additionally, they must determine whether children will receive child support, who will have custody, and how often they can visit with the non-custodial parent.

As difficult as family law matters can be, it’s vital to choose an attorney who will provide a compassionate, unbiased voice. In addition to being knowledgeable and professional, the right attorney can help you resolve the issue in a way that benefits you the most. With the right attorney, you can feel confident in your decision. A Bronx family law attorney will carefully consider your needs and wishes while advocating on your behalf in court.