Watch what you write your spouse in a text message

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Let’s say you want to take your kids to a wedding.

Your soon-to-be ex-husband says no.

You’re discussing it all by text message.

Now that you’re about to get a divorce, your text messages are under a microscope.  They are all also subject to a subpoena and discovery request, which means you might as well think of them as public.

When you first start working with an attorney here at Robinson & Hadeed, one of the first things we will have you think about is your communication with your ex or soon-to-be ex.  From time to time, we may even give you feedback on your communication. Crazy? No. Your communication has to be polite and accommodating.  Sometimes, you are too close to the situation to really see the way your text messages read.

I have seen cases where the wife writes: “You idiot, that is a f—-ing horrible idea.”

I let my clients know: You can’t send texts like that anymore.

When a judge sees your firm but polite texts, you will look like a nice person who just wants to go to a wedding. He, on the other hand, will look vindictive and mean spirited.

Watch what you write, be courteous at all times.  If you wouldn’t want it on a billboard in front of your house, don’t send it.

Why We are Fearless

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I may be practicing family law now, but in the past, I also did criminal law. Several times a week, I would be in front of a judge, fearless. Whether that judge is deciding who should get custody of your kids, or whether a repeat drug offender should return to jail, you always have to watch the judge for: What is it that they are thinking? They are just like other people, they are going to give away facial expressions.

Jeffrey A. Robinson and I are both fearless. We are not afraid to take your divorce or custody case to court if necessary. We also aren’t afraid of being tough negotiators during mediation. When negotiating, you have to be willing to walk away to some degree to get what you want. It’s not that you don’t want to settle.

If it’s in your best interest to settle, we will. The goal is to serve you, our client.

Sometimes maybe we can settle financial stuff. If we can’t settle the kid stuff, we go before the judge.