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What should I do if I suspect my spouse wants a divorce? from: Family Law

The answer to this question is from my perspective, as a lawyer. In addition to the legal perspective, you should consider input from a counselor. One word of advice: some of the worst advice I have seen given to my clients who are going through a divorce comes from well-meaning friends and relatives.

The best advice I can give you is to see an attorney right away. A one-hour consultation with an attorney who is experienced in divorce law will be invaluable to you. It is extremely important to understand your rights and to know what to do to protect yourself, even if there is a possibility that the marriage can be saved. Some folks are reluctant to make an appointment with a divorce attorney because they don’t want a divorce and feel contacting an attorney somehow means that divorce is inevitable. In all of my years practicing in the area of family law, I have never pushed a client into getting a divorce. Even if your goal is to save the marriage, you need to know as early as possible what you can do to protect yourself in the event that divorce becomes inevitable.

What should I do if I am served with divorce papers? from: Family Law

First of all, don’t panic. Nothing happens in a divorce case (excluding domestic violence or other extraordinary circumstances calling for emergency action) without written notice to you. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible, but take the time to find a reputable attorney. In Franklin County, where I practice most frequently, nothing will happen in your case until you are served with the divorce papers by certified mail, or by a court-appointed process server (not your spouse) serving you with court papers. After you receive those papers, you have a reasonable time (at least two weeks) to find an attorney.

Check the papers carefully to see if there are any notices of a hearing date. In Franklin County, Ohio, the only hearing date notice that you will receive in connection with the initial divorce papers is notice of a “Status Conference” or hearing on “Temporary Orders.” Note the date on your calendar and contact an attorney as soon as you can.

What does membership in Direct Legal Benefits cost? from: Direct Legal Benefits

The company pays an initial registration fee for a twelve month membership. Unlike other legal benefit plans, there are no additional monthly premiums or other fees and the benefit applies to all company employees and their family members.

Other legal locate services require that I provide personal information about myself, does Direct Legal Benefits? from: Direct Legal Benefits

No. Direct Legal Benefits will never ask for any personal information from any person using our service to locate an attorney to assist them with their legal matter.

I am a lawyer. How do I get more information on becoming a member of Direct Legal Benefits? from: Direct Legal Benefits

For more information and qualifications to become a participating attorney member of Direct Legal Benefits please call 303-393-1999.

How does the messaging system work? from: Direct Legal Benefits

By filling out and submitting a simple online questionnaire, the attorneys will receive your message. Once they respond, you have the option of contacting them more personally in order to hire the attorney suiting your needs.

What is Direct Legal Benefits? from: FAQ - Employer

Direct Legal Benefits is a free employee benefit program that employers may offer their employees. The program assists employees in locating participating attorneys who meet specific quality guidelines and will provide discounted legal services to them and their families.

Who pays for the program? from: FAQ - Employer

First year membership in Direct Legal Benefits is $500 and covers the employer you and all of your employees, regardless of how many employees in the company.

Will Direct Legal Benefits tell my employer that I am using this service? from: FAQ - Employee

No. All communication with Direct Legal Benefits and participating attorneys is strictly confidential.

What ongoing maintenance of the benefit is required by employers? from: FAQ - Employer

Once an employer registers for the benefit, no further maintenance is required. Periodically, employers may need to request additional membership cards for employees. Direct Legal Benefits never shares the names or personal information of employees. We do ask that all participating companies provide to each employee their Direct Legal Benefits Membership Card and forward the Direct Legal Benefits Monthly Email Newsletter to all of the employees.

Direct Legal Benefits also offers informational brochures, paycheck stuffers, web-ready materials and other similar materials which the employer can make available to employees. Direct Legal Benefits's participating attorneys are also available for speaking engagements or employee educational programs.