No one has been spared the substantial advertising done by personal injury attorneys in which they all address their levels of skill in effectively representing their clients throughout the litigation process including trial. However, no one ever asks an attorney what percentage of his family law cases go to trial. In truth and in fact, only about 3% of all family law related cases ever go to trial. Over 85% are resolved at mediation. Any experienced trial attorney is similarly prepared for mediation and/or trial. Based on the level of preparation, the final result had can differ substantially. In analyzing any complex family cause, thought must be given to the necessary gathering of information, as well as preparation and presentation of all issues involved. An effective representation should include an analysis of the relative costs of the representation in relationship to the anticipated result. It is often not practical to expend substantial additional attorney’s fees and costs if they do not bear a reasonable relationship to the anticipated recovery. This concept is often lacking in an overall analysis of family law cases. Weiss, Grunor, Weiss involves their clients in every stage of the litigation and provides the costs/benefit analysis while being keenly aware of potential over-litigating cases which can occur.

So, by an effective analysis the client is not blindsided by runaway attorneys fees and costs and is educated to participate in effective analysis and decision making related to his or her particular circumstances.