THE ATTORNEY/CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

A good Attorney/Client Relationship is like any good relationship:
 
 - Communication Is Crucial -

What You Can Expect from Mr. Seaver, as your Attorney

• Attorney Seaver will provide you with a written fee agreement that states your attorney/client relationship in simple terms.
• Attorney Seaver will formulate a plan of action for your case and will explain his plan to you.
• Attorney Seaver will try to give you a reasonable estimate of the length of time needed to complete your case.
• Attorney Seaver will answer all of your questions as honestly and as thoroughly as possible.
• Attorney Seaver will tell you if your expectations are unrealistic.
• Attorney Seaver will try to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
• Attorney Seaver will keep you apprised of developments in your case, and will explain your options to you as your case proceeds.
• Attorney Seaver will provide you with a copy of correspondence and pleadings in your case.
• Attorney Seaver will return your telephone calls as quickly as possible.
• Attorney Seaver will keep all of your personal information confidential.
• Attorney Seaver and his staff will endeavor to make you feel as comfortable as possible as your case moves forward.

What Attorney Seaver Expects from You, as the Client

Tell the truth.  If you lie to Attorney Seaver, and he takes action on your behalf based on the false information you have provided, it could have serious adverse consequences and place you in a worse position than when you started.

Answer questions as truthfully and as thoroughly as possible.  Don't hold back information. Sometimes, even information you think is unimportant could be relevant.

• Stay actively involved in your case.
• Stay in regular contact with Attorney Seaver’s office and write down all of your questions before calling the office. And remember, there are some questions that can be answered ONLY by Attorney Seaver, not his staff.
• Keep Attorney Seaver informed of any events that could affect your case or your safety.
• Rely on Attorney Seaver's training, experience, judgment, and expertise. Instructions are given to you to protect your legal interests.  If you do not understand the reasoning behind something, ask.
• Pay your bill on time.  Failure to pay your bill as agreed is a breach of contract and is grounds for Attorney Seaver's withdrawal from your case.
• Attorney Seaver understands that being involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, formerly known as Massachusetts Department of Social Services is extremely stressful.  However, you should avoid using Attorney Seaver as a therapist if the stress becomes too much for you to handle on your own. Instead, seek a trusted friend, relative, member of the clergy, or mental health professional when you need something in addition to legal counsel.
• On the day of your appointment, please call to confirm that you will appear.
• Always, always, always be on time for appointments.  If you are unavoidably delayed, or if you cannot keep your appointment, please call and let us know as soon as possible.
• Always, always, always be early to Court. You do not want to keep the Judge waiting because this is disrespectful.