IPE Quick Tips

Quick Tips

Tip and Tools for Family Law Cases
guest author: Laurie Chrzanowski

Family Law is very personal to the clients. Probably one of the most sensitive things that clients will deal with is their marriage and their children. You are dealing with sensitive topics, personal crisis and lots of feelings. What the client feels is important to the case may not be but they may tell it to you anyway just to "get it off their chest".

Listen attentively. What the client tells you is important to them. Filter the information for the attorney. It is effective for billing and saves the client in the long run. Partner closely with the attorney to be sure all necessary information gets where it needs to be.

Always partner and never give legal advice. Know when to say I am not an attorney. Send an email to the client and include the attorney and state - if necessary - you raised a lot of questions that as a paralegal I cannot answer - I am including an email to the attorney so that they can answer your questions. Clients may feel more comfortable talking with you but always know that you are not the attorney and that in the long run it makes it harder for the client and the case if the attorney is not aware of the information being shared.

Be sensitive. If you are uncomfortable with what the client is sharing, partner with your attorney and no one else.

Confidentiality. You see a lot of photos, emails and "juicy" information in family law cases - it is not to be shared. Keep confidentiality a priority.

Be true to your word. Your clients are going through a rough time and they are having trust issues, building trust is important. A key way to do that is be true to your word, if you say you are going to do something then do it when you say you will.

Be supportive and encouraging. Respect goes a long way in client relationships. Supporting your clients during their journey is very important.

Laurie Chrzanowski is a litigation paralegal with Russell & Heffner, LLC, in Frederick, Maryland. She is involved in the litigation of family law cases in Maryland Circuit and District Court, criminal cases in District Court, and personal injury cases in Circuit and District Court. Ms. Chrzanowski manages client files and preparation of pleadings, motions and discovery. She has conducted medical research, legal and factual research, investigations and clients' interviews. Ms. Chrzanowski has prepared pleadings, memoranda and briefs, witness lists and exhibits, trial notebooks, demand and settlement documents, and deposition schedules and summaries. Her other areas of responsibility have included coordinating and managing document production, locating and interviewing witnesses and experts, organizing pleadings and trial exhibits, and maintaining general client contact. A certified paralegal, Ms. Chrzanowski is a graduate of Frederick Community College and Stevenson University. She is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and has taught a number of seminars and webinars for the Institute of Paralegal Education (IPE).