Second Opinions

When you’re making a life-changing decision like getting a divorce, you want to make sure that you get the best advice possible. When a professional has given you a recommendation, having that confirmed by someone you trust can help you feel more confident about moving forward. Getting second opinions is a common practice in medicine. We think it has value in legal situations, too.

We are often consulted by clients who are working with another attorney and want a second opinion about their family law case. We view it as an opportunity to help people involved in a family law dispute have peace of mind.

Should You Get a Second Opinion?

Not every situation requires a second opinion. If your attorney has recommended a course of action and you are in full agreement with their advice, there’s no reason not to go ahead with it. But if you feel any hesitation that your lawyer is not resolving, pay attention. It could be worth talking to another attorney.

Some situations in which you might consider getting a second opinion include:

  • You feel like your attorney is dismissing your input regarding your case. It’s not necessary that your attorney should agree with you about everything. But they should listen to you, and if they disagree, should be able to explain why in a way that makes sense to you and makes you feel respected.
  • Your attorney is pushing for a course of action you are uncomfortable with. For instance, they are urging you to litigate when you would prefer to keep your divorce amicable through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. Or, you feel that they are pushing you into a settlement you don’t think is fair in order to avoid a trial.
  • You have questions and your attorney takes a long time to get back to you.
  • It seems as if your attorney is doing a lot of unnecessary work that increases your bill, and they can’t or won’t explain it to your satisfaction.
  • You just wonder if there are better alternatives to the course of action your attorney is recommending.

Getting a second opinion about your divorce or family law case will probably achieve one of two things: it will reassure you that your attorney is advising you well, which will give you peace of mind; or it will alert you to the likelihood that your attorney is on the wrong track or isn’t a good fit for you, which lets you seek other counsel before sinking more money into your case. Either way, a second opinion is money well spent.

At Bednarczyk & Valerio, we charge for consultations for both second opinions and new clients. Doing so allows us to give you our undivided attention and detailed guidance based on your situation. We want you to leave the consultation feeling that it was a good use of your resources, and with confidence about your next steps.

Getting Second Opinions For Your Family Law Case

We have discovered that many people hesitate to seek a second opinion in their legal matter because they worry that doing so is somehow disloyal to their attorney. It’s not! Your attorney wants you to feel comfortable with their guidance. If they are confident in the legal advice they are giving you, they will not be offended or upset if you speak with another lawyer; they may even encourage you to do so. While you are not obligated to tell your attorney you are seeking a second opinion, you should definitely feel free to tell them. It might even lead to a conversation with your attorney that helps them better understand your concerns.

When you contact us for a second opinion on your legal matter, our intake coordinator will ask you some questions to make sure you are connected with an attorney who is a good fit for you. Our sole focus before, during, and after the consultation is to help you have the peace of mind you deserve as you continue on your legal journey.

To learn more about getting second opinions for your legal case, please contact us to schedule a consultation.