I. THE INITIAL MEETING:

ACCIDENT CASE

At the first meeting we obtain general information about your accident: how it happened, who was involved; the nature of your injuries; your health care providers; insurance information; witnesses; the damage to your automobile if a car was involved. (Try to get pictures of the damage.) It is very important that you tell us all the facts, even those that you think might hurt your case.

Remember that all of our conversations are confidential and are protected by attorney-client privilege.

It is essential that we have your cooperation and honesty in helping gather the facts about your case. Insurance companies have a national index system, which shows all of the people who have made claims for injuries. If you have made a claim in another accident for another injury, your name will be there and they will have information. Therefore, please be absolutely honest when answering our questions about your claim. We also need to know about your medical care, any change in physicians or changes in your medical treatment or diagnoses, and any prior medical problems.

Obtaining Information about your Claim

We will notify the other party's insurance company that you have retained us as your lawyer. Once you have hired an attorney, you should not speak directly to any representative or attorney from the other party's insurance company, or the other party. They should not contact you directly. Should you receive any communication from anyone about your case tell that person to contact us. Do not discuss your case with that person.

We Send letters to all of your health care providers who have treated you for your injuries, including hospitals, doctors and physical therapists, notifying them that you have retained us to represent you.

It is important for you to know that no case is settled until the exact nature of your medical condition has been determined, you have finished your medical treatments and all investigations have been completed. It can take several months to gather all the information necessary to make a claim. It is desirable to have a final medical report from your doctor about your condition. If your case goes to trial, it will take longer to complete the matter. Most cases however, settle without the need for litigation.

Settlement of your Claim

As soon as all the necessary information has been obtained, we will submit a demand package to the insurance company for settlement. We will notify you of all offers received from the insurance company. It is entirely up to you whether you accept or decline a settlement offer; however, We will give you our recommendation and the reasons. We will never accept or reject a settlement offer without your permission. If necessary we will take your case to court and vigorously pursue your rights. View some of our results in the "Personal Injury Practice" section of the web-site.

II. THE INITIAL MEETING:

DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES

At the initial meeting we will take a history of your marriage and ask you to describe your problems and concerns. We will need to know the educational, occupational and health history of you and your spouse. We will begin to gather financial information about your family and, if necessary, guide you in the process of assembling documents needed to compile an accurate financial statement. If children are involved, we will want to learn about them and their relationship with both parents. By the end of that first meeting, you will have a better understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities, and together we will establish realistic goals and a strategy designed to achieve them. If the matter is already filed in court, we will review the documents and plan a response. At the initial meeting we will openly discuss our fee requirements and provide an estimate of what your case might cost and how best to control expenses.

Settlement Process

Most domestic relations cases settle out of court. After the facts are known by both sides and there has been full financial disclosure and valuation of assets, experienced lawyers are able to craft a comprehensive settlement agreement resolving all issues arising out of a marriage. Settlement Agreements can include arrangements for division of marital property, spousal support, child custody and access for both parents, child support, provision for college expenses, responsibility for family liabilities, division of pension rights, and income tax responsibility. Settlements can be achieved through meetings and negotiations between lawyers, 4-way meetings with lawyers and the parties, mediation with the help of an experienced third-party, or a combination of the above techniques. Sometimes cases cannot be settled and a judge must hear evidence and decide these difficult issues. In our experience, settlements achieved by the parties tend to be more satisfactory because the clients can control the outcome. Nevertheless, if litigation is necessary, we both have had ample experience in the courts and with the judges in Maryland and D.C.