These 2 rules were taught to me by a better, smarter lawyer, my law partner, Mary Heafner:
1. The cooperative parent wins in family court, not the bully or the gossip; and
2. Work to let go of your anger — you cannot drink poison (anger) and expect it will kill someone else.
Mary’s rules are the basis for my personal 3 Rules for Success for all prospective clients:
1. Silence is power — silence in the face of crazy makes crazy people crazier;
2. Don’t engage crazy — do NOT return their accusatory, angry texts, messages or social media posts (and don’t coach [poison] your kid);
3. Cooperation wins — courts represent the culmination of social order. So, as much as you want to fight, it’s better to stay within society’s lines, tow the judge’s line and nod gently at the people who proudly sport titles and badges (and weapons). Rebellion inevitably comes. You needn’t sacrifice your relationship with your child, in the meantime, to score points with people who are intoxicated with status. Remember that cooperation wins in family court.
Thank you for considering my services. If you want to consult, shoot me an email and describe your case and the actors/parties and issues/stakes involved. If there is a case history, tell me the county and cause number.
Then, if I think that I can help, I will send you a Consultation Agreement with a credit card authorization. After that, we will meet and talk about whether I can take your case and represent you.
Best wishes to you,
Scott K. Boates