Common sense tells you to be polite to your lawyer, but as your case goes on, you may find this difficult. Divorce lawyers seem to be a natural target for clients’ hostility toward their spouses and the judicial system. The longer a case goes on, the more frustration and hostility mount. If your lawyer is the bearer of bad tidings, the temptation is great to lash out at him or her. Resist the temptation. It will have the same effect on your lawyer’s attitude toward you as not paying your bill.

Although a good lawyer will be able to help you through minor crises and should be able to let a certain amount of negative emotion roll off his or her back, making a habit of being hostile to your attorney will only undermine your case. Use the same manners with your lawyer that you would like him or her to use with you. Remember, your lawyer is a person with feelings, and if you make his or her life too difficult, you may find yourself shut out of it.