Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. co-managing partner, Jonathan Wolfe, was part of a video roundtable discussion presented by Family Lawyer Magazine. The topic of the presentation, “The Best Advice I Ever Gave,” was paneled by a family wealth advisor, Mr. Wolfe, and two other family law attorneys.
When discussing the best advice he has given to clients over the years, Mr. Wolfe focused on credibility as their most valuable asset. He stressed the need for clients to be honest with their attorney about everything so that their attorney can in turn be honest on their behalf to the court. Even when some things might seem unimportant or even embarrassing. “They (clients) need to be able to tell us things that maybe they won’t even feel comfortable telling their closest friend,” he said. “They need to admit their mistakes to us so that we can figure out the best way to address those mistakes. We tell the client that more than anything, they have to be honest.”
Nothing destroys credibility more than being untruthful
“One thing clients can’t do is lie because ultimately if they get caught in that lie, which is what will happen, their credibility will be destroyed and that’s something that can’t be taken back when in front of the court.
“We’re going to work hard to make sure that we maintain your credibility throughout the case and we’re going to take reasonable positions. That’s going to help you in the long run,” Wolfe continued.
Be honest with your attorney
Mr. Wolfe stressed that rather than denying mistakes or incidents that may have occurred, it is better for clients to be up front with their attorney so that they can best manage the situation before the court. People make bad decisions and make mistakes. “That could even be understandable, but what a court can never understand is the choice to lie under oath. It colors the rest of the case when you’re dealing with the things that are most important,” Wolfe said.
Mr. Wolfe focuses his practice on high net worth matrimonial disputes and business litigation. He is the past chair of the American Bar Association’s Family Law Section and has held many senior positions at the ABA and the New Jersey Bar Association. He is frequently called on for his insights by the media such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Fox News.
FamilyLawyerMagazine.com is a website for family lawyers, business valuators, QDRO experts, CPAs, mediators and other professionals and services that support family law professionals. Dedicated to helping family law practitioners in the U.S. and Canada to excel in their practice, the website offers thousands of articles and case reviews; interviews/podcasts with family lawyers, judges, and financial and mental-health professionals, and more.
Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. offers legal representation with years of experience and a successful track record of wins on behalf of clients. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. If you are considering divorce, you owe it to yourself and your children to discuss your situation with a family law attorney at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. To begin a discussion, call (973) 992-0900.
