Tag Archives: advice

Don’t Lie to Your Attorney- or there will be Consequences…

This is not a threat. This is a fact.

Lawyers give their best advice based on what the client tells them. Based on what the “facts” are can significantly impact not only the outcome, but also the advice given.

Routinely, clients have denied certain conduct and based upon those assertion, advice is given. Then, the other side files a pleading alleging the very conduct. Many times I have called opposing counsel and asked that they provide the proof, as it may well change my advice.

When you lie to your lawyer it impacts your case. It impacts the advice given. It impacts the strategy of the case. It also impacts what your lawyer believes from you thereafter. AND, it can also impact the outcome of your case.

So, did you lie to your attorney about a material, critical part of your case? Did that lie effect the advice given and strategy used? Did that lie come back to bite you in the tail (and could have been minimized had you just told the truth)? So, think long and hard about lying to your attorney – – and don’t do it.

Matthew Thompson is a civil litigation attorney and knows the adage of if your lips are moving you’re lying, but still wants to believe the clients.

5 Rules for Testifying.

I recently presented and attended several CLEs. It’s a great way to learn new things and be exposed to differing points of view.

Today’s gem comes from Jon Powell. Jon’s a great attorney in Rankin County. Here’s Jon’s 5 Rules for Testifying.

  1. Listen to the question.
  2. Think about your answer.
  3. Answer only the question asked.
  4. Stop talking once answered.
  5. Tell the Truth.

Great advice!!

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney that always appreciates great advice!

(601)850-8000

http://www.BowTieLawyer.ms

The Hardest Advice to Take is…

I give advice everyday. Actually, I sell advice. 

 
Routinely, what I tell people is common sense. It’s the same advice your wise parent or grandparent would give you, but often it’s hard advice to follow. 

I’ve counseled persons to stop doing things that are harmful to themselves and their case. Don’t hang out with the shady crowd. Stop using alcohol if you have alcohol problems. Start going to church or stop doing things you shouldn’t be doing.  I tell people what they don’t want to hear. 

The hardest advice to take is to stop doing whatever lead to the circumstance where you needed legal help. 

www.bowtielawyer.ms

You Are Your Own Worst Enemy!

In Court there are a lot of forces against you.  Your spouse or ex-spouse, their attorney, sometimes the Judge, at least seemingly, the GAL, the Court appointed expert all are not looking out for your best interests. But, who is your own worst enemy?  Your lawyer? NO!

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It’s YOU!

More often than not, when there is a disaster it is due to your own making or at least you are a major contributor.  Not following the advice of your lawyer is one of the main factors in you making your case worse.  Doing what you want or feel like is another.  Deliberately defying a Court Order is never smart either.

So, how do you avoid disaster.  Listen.  Heed the advice given.  Do NOT do things contrary to that advice.  If in doubt don’t act, but ask.  That alone is worth the price of this blog.

“If in doubt ASK, don’t ACT!” – Matthew Thompson

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney and gives lots of advice on a daily basis.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer Visit the websiteThompson Law FirmYou may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms

Churchill Wisdom; On Advice

“In those days he was wiser than he is now; he used to frequently take my advice.”

-Winston Churchill

Tina Phillips/free digitalphotos.net

Following your attorney’s advice can be one of the more difficult aspects of divorce work, but you must.  I have previously blogged on How to Hire an attorney, Keeping Quiet when necessary, Annoying Client Traits, and Coping with the Stress of a family law matter.  One important and common theme to all of these is to listen and take the advice you are given.  It is no guaranty of a perfect case, but it increases the potential for a satisfactory result. (So long as the person giving the advice knows what they are talking about.)

Matthew Thompson is a Family Law attorney and is good at telling people what to do.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com.

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