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HOW TO CHOOSE A LAWYER:
1. Be a good consumer of lawyer services !! 2. My work as an attorney helping people is a personal service. Remember, you are choosing a person to help you, and we all know every person is different from the next. 3. Do you want 'peace'? Choose a lawyer with whom you resonate in values! 4. You want to get a divorce? FYI: A divorce can entirely be agreed-to Out Of Court!! No 'filing divorce papers', No 'hand-serving my spouse'. Whenever possible and reasonable for the situation, I urge this approach. Privacy can mean power, too. 5. No lawyer is allowed to promise anyone a particular, exact outcome. If you're getting 'promises too good to be true', stop. Think. ** I plan to add to this list over time. Tricia Dwyer Attorney LEGAL QUESTION: My problems' really private, embarrassing, but I know I need help now. ATTORNEY TRICIA DWYER'S ANSWER: I urge you very carefully choose the lawyer you'll let help you now. You want to feel great trust and safety with who you choose. QUESTION: Do you ever have clients who are nervous and scared to tell you what is really going on? ATTORNEY TRICIA DWYER'S ANSWER: Excellent question. Yes. Whenever we choose to take that leap of faith and trust another person to be our confidante, we have to first feel safe with her/him. It's downright 'normal' that a new client and I may talk a little while before she/he discerns whether I'm a safe person in whom they may confide. LEGAL QUESTION: I'm a senior and disabled. I've had county social services help. I feel ripped off. I was steered to hire a septic excavation company. My health is hurting from all the stress. Help. ATTORNEY TRICIA DWYER'S ANSWER:Hello. I feel utmost compassion for you. You seem to say you don't really trust anyone now. I notice you're in Stearns County; I've lived there for two lengthy periods of time. I'm a little older than you. If I were helping you, I'd want you to tell me a little more about your challenges, for example, special physical health problems?, mental health problems? chronic pain? medicines - alcohol use, doctor care, etc. It sounds like you don't have one or more closed loved ones to turn to at this time. I suggest you consider contacting BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY - well trained adults who've passed background checks and want to help other people one-to-one are 'out there' hoping to be called on. Google the term, plus your local city, and at least a few churches' names should pop up. There's also STEPHEN MINISTRY which helps people one to one, but I myself don't know anything detailed or personally about that organization. I suggest you phone the MN ATTORNEY GENERAL and I believe someone with either answer your phone call or else call you back asap. You mentioned a business and so it sounds as though you may think you need to start a lawsuit to right major wrong and harm to you. You wrote of 'I've worked for....all my life', so perhaps you have some financial resources; if you do choose private attorney help I urge you be a good consumer and be prepared to make many phone calls - you, especially you! want and need to feel trust with who you choose to help you; hiring a lawyer involves making a 'leap of trust', that's for sure. Also, be aware we have COVID-19, flu and MRVirus - much 'court' happens now over phone conference or Zoom (if you've heard of Zoom....) - NOT in person. My point is do NOT limit yourself geographically in any sort of rigid way. Also you spoke of social services and your own health, so all the more reason to stay aware of you having help over the phone, etc., vs. 'going in person to appointments'. I suggest you consider calling 211 which is the United Way and see if the person who handles your call can help be a bridge to real help for you now. Unsolicited Client Comments: Read What Real Clients Say: "Would you be willing to take my case again?... You are the only attorney I have had who has understood the realities and complexity of this case...." -Unsolicited comment from returning client of apprx. 2 yrs. prior, high conflict case involving domestic abuse including sexual abuse, mental illness, personality disorders, protective orders, restraining orders, child custody & visitation in issue ""Tricia....I felt very empowered after meeting with you.... Thank you." Unsolicited comment from client-leaving an abusive relationship, divorce, alimony, custody Tricia, I'm crying literally..I don't know if you realize how much you have meant to me but you do..." -Unsolicited comment from client-high conflict, complex family law and criminal law problems "Tricia, Thank you for your help...I appreciate your guidance on wording and help to make this as peaceful as possible." -Unsolicited comment from client-high conflict divorce with child, hiding income, 'cash under table', need for sole custody "Tricia, Thank you very much... It is great to have someone who understands me and who knew what to do in this kind of situation, I would have been so lost without your help...Thank you again for everything." -Unsolicited comment from client: Police sting operation, Felony criminal charge "Tricia, You are the most above-board and cost-effective lawyer I know." -Unsolicited comment from client - difficult divorce, a lot of money at stake (alimony/spousal support, retirement), alcoholism/recovery/relapse "Tricia, I received your statement and two other emails (pertaining to the complex problems). Thank you for those. Yes, I definitely want to continue to hire you and continue an ongoing attorney/client relationship with you. ...I request your help."
-Unsolicited message from client-divorced mother whose former husband has made post-decree court Motions & Contempt of Court/Order to Show Cause with no end in sight' "I want you there with me for the next court date, too. You've only done right by me so far and I know you'll only continue to do so."
-Unsolicited comment from client-high conflict divorce, spouse very angry "Thanks for helping me. I love the fact that I have an attorney who believes in me and who's willing to stand her ground." -Unsolicited comment from client - divorce, mediation, custody evaluation, emotional abuse, bullying - anger issues. "Hi Tricia, Thanks ... I very much appreciate all the work you've done until this point. I am especially grateful for your candor, compassion, and attention to detail in advising me on the ... You have been the most helpful attorney with whom I have worked, and my top choice should I need further consultation." -Unsolicited comment from client: Highly confidential Attorney-Client Privileged communications "Tricia, We talked it over after meeting with you... we'd rather proceed with you." -Unsolicited comment from client: Terminating/changing/'firing' their present lawyer. Post-divorce problems, ex- not paying mortgage, credit score, & withholding children/Parental Alienation "Tricia, Thanks...I very much appreciate all the work you've done to this point. I am especially grateful for your candor, compassion and attention to detail...You are the most helpful attorney with whom I have ever worked..." -Unsolicited comment from client: Post-divorce legal issues, alimony/spousal support, abuse & OFP (Order for Protection), scared "Tricia, Thank you for what you've done...Thank you for making things clear..." -Unsolicited comment from client: Complicated legal problems, Contempt of Court re. not paying child support, and Probation Violation re. drug use/ongoing addiction "Trish, You are giving me great comfort...Thank you doesn't seem like enough. I am highly thankful for you, thankful I was able to find you through all. I'm so content - I'm able to rest a little better." -Unsolicited comments from parent of client who is a minor child: This teen faces a multitude of criminal charges, including first degree felony charges. The teen is close to the time for beginning college. |
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