As we welcome the new year, we are excited to announce our themes for 2024 at The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC! They are “Navigating the Divorce Journey” and “Embracing a Positive Mindset.”
Navigating the Divorce Journey
We at The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC are committed to transparency and education because a client who understands the divorce process is an asset to the firm. Therefore, as we step into the new year, we are embarking on a unique journey with our clients and friends of the firm – a yearlong exploration of the various stages of the divorce process. Of course, no two divorces are alike, and we must tailor each process to the needs of our clients. But we at the firm believe that there are processes and procedures that if followed will make the divorce process easier, more predictable, and less expensive.
Client Intake Process at Angela Barker LLC
We are kicking things off by discussing what happens when you first contact our office. At The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC, a potential client first contacts our firm via the firm’s email, telephone, website, or text. We have streamlined our client intake process to ensure a smooth and efficient journey from your first contact to the crucial Case Strategy Session. Let’s walk you through what happens when you reach out to us and how you can prepare for the upcoming Case Strategy Session.
- Initial Contact: Diverse Channels But One Goal
Whether you choose to reach out via email, telephone, website, or text, The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC has established a seamless system to handle your initial inquiry. For email and website inquiries, a client intake form will be provided to gather essential information. If you prefer the telephone, our receptionist is equipped to efficiently capture important data. Similarly, text inquiries are promptly attended to by a team member who ensures all necessary details are collected.
- Responding with Convenience: Booking Your Case Strategy Session
Following the initial contact, we believe in providing a convenient and user-friendly experience. A text will be sent to you with a link allowing you to book and pay for a Case Strategy Session. The link directs you to an online scheduling system, where you can view available time slots. You may then select a suitable time slot for the Case Strategy Session based on your availability. Once a time slot is selected, the system confirms the appointment and payment for the Case Strategy Session is facilitated through the online platform. A reminder is sent before the scheduled Case Strategy Session, ensuring you are well-prepared. This ensures a timely response and sets the stage for your upcoming meeting with Attorney Angela Barker.
- Information Gathering: What to Expect
During the intake process, we collect two main categories of information:
- Personal Information: This includes names of parties, basic contact details, background information on the type of case, where the matter was filed or is likely to be filed, and any other details necessary for communication and identification purposes.
- Case Information: Understanding the specifics of your situation is crucial. You will provide details related to your case, including relevant issues, timelines, events, and any documentation you may possess.
The information gathered at this point helps to determine a number of things- whether the case falls within our practice jurisdictions and/or areas of law, etc.
- Preparing for the Case Strategy Session: Document Submission
If your case involves documents that Attorney Angela Barker needs to review, we encourage you to email them to the firm before the scheduled Case Strategy Session. This proactive step allows Angela to familiarize herself with the details beforehand, ensuring a more productive and insightful Case Strategy Session. It is all about maximizing the time you have with her to address your concerns and develop a strategic plan for your case.
In summary, the client intake process at The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC is designed for efficiency and convenience. From your initial contact through to the Case Strategy Session, we strive to create a supportive and informative experience emphasizing communication, transparency, and a client-centric approach at every step of the way!
Up next: In February we will discuss what happens at the Case Strategy Session.
“Cultivating a Positive Mindset Garden – Nurturing Growth, Overcoming Challenges, and Harvesting Success in 2024”
After a successful focus on vision boards as a tool for personal growth and development last year, we are now delving into the transformative power of positive thinking as a cornerstone for personal and professional advancement.
Going through a divorce, especially when it follows a long-term marriage or involves young children or children with special needs, is one of the most challenging experiences in life. Your mindset during the process will play a crucial role in shaping the aftermath. It will determine whether you emerge from the ordeal burdened with anger, debt, and emotional issues, or if you come out of it with a determination to leave the failed relationship behind, ready to embark on a new journey.
If you approach the divorce process with a mindset centered on anger, revenge, fear, or guilt, you may make financial, custody, and parenting time decisions that may not be in your best interest. However, if you cultivate a positive mindset and approach the process with reasonableness, a desire to learn and understand, and goodwill towards your spouse (despite their bad intentions towards you), then the divorce will be a process of personal growth and development. You will come out of the process stronger, and more independent and you will understand what you need in a relationship for it to be successful.
Cultivating a positive mindset takes hard work. Things that you can do the cultivate a positive mindset are:
- Seek counseling;
- Maintain boundaries;
- Follow your intuition;
- Be authentic;
- Figure out your finances;
- Cultivate Gratitude;
- Join a divorce group;
- Form new friendships;
- Focus on hobbies;
- Exercise;
- Eat Right;
- Get enough sleep.
This month we are going to discuss counseling. Feelings of anger, revenge, anxiety, and fear are all common in divorces. However, you have to be careful not to make decisions on these feelings. Seeking the support of a professional counselor can provide a safe space to process emotions, gain clarity, and develop healthy coping strategies. Here are some reasons why counseling is essential during divorce:
- Emotional Support: Counselors offer a non-judgmental environment to express emotions and receive validation.
- Objective Perspective: A counselor provides unbiased opinions and helps you see beyond your emotions and make more rational decisions.
- Communication Skills: Counseling helps you improve communications with your
- soon-to-be ex. This fosters healthier interactions during the divorce process.
- Coping Strategies: Professional counselors can help you develop coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
- Child Custody Considerations: For those with children, counseling can assist in navigating the complexities of co-parenting and prioritizing the well-being of the children.
- Future Planning: Counselors can help individuals envision and plan for a post-divorce future, setting realistic goals and expectations.
Remember, seeking counseling is a proactive step towards emotional growth, overall well-being, and a more constructive divorce experience.
Next month we will discuss how essential it is to maintain your boundaries especially when you are going through the divorce process.
Together, let us sow the seeds for success, embracing challenges with optimism and fostering a positive mindset that permeates every facet of our lives. Just as diligent gardeners yield a bountiful harvest, our collective efforts will result in a year filled with growth, resilience, and accomplishment.
With warm wishes and from our family to yours,
The Law Office of Angela Barker LLC