Volume II, Issue 2
Krusch and Sellers News:
From the Desk of Attorney Leigh B. Sellers:
Hot Tips for Handling Yourself in a Domestic Case
While we are hired for our legal representation and legal opinions, the attorneys in our field are often called upon to make recommendations as to our client's conduct as well. So, I am sharing some observations I have made over the years about certain behavior or choices that can impact your legal matters.
1. Dress Appropriately for Court. There is no dress code; however, you want to make a positive impression on the person who holds the fate of your important issues, even your access to your children, in their hands. You want to dress in a manner that reflects seriousness of the matter and its importance to you. I do not suggest jeans, shorts, low cut clothing, torn or dirty clothing or tee shirts with logos or "humorous" phrases and pictures. No flip flops or hats; appearing in court like you came by on the way to a BBQ, may not hurt your case, but I can guarantee it will not help.
2. Manners in the Courtroom. Be on time for all court proceedings. Bring paper and a pen for writing notes to your attorney during the proceeding or questions as they come to you. Do not interrupt the Judge. Do not talk to the Judge when they say to be quiet. Do not make faces at other witnesses, do not roll your eyes, and do not make loud exasperated sighs. Do not leave your cell phone on. Do not chew gum.
3. Communication with opposing party. When you speak to your estranged spouse, pretend that every word is being recorded and think about it being played back to a Judge. You have no way of knowing. Do not write letters, notes or e-mails to your spouse in the heat of anger and frustration. If you must communicate in writing, please draft the note and have someone else read it or at least let it sit until you are calm. These communications can be admitted in court and can affect your case.
4. Dating: You are married until you are divorced by court order. Please talk to your attorney before you begin a romantic relationship even if you are separated. Sometimes, it will not matter, sometimes; it may be a poor decision. Online dating services like match.com and e-harmony.com are not a good idea. The posts are accessible to everyone and I have seen some very surprising things appear in these listings.
5. Credit and Debit Card expenses. Checking, savings and credit cards statements come into play in most every legal matter. So please think before you use these to pay for strip clubs, ABC stores, or on-line dating services.
6. Social Networking Sites and Blogs: Please be very careful what you post on the social networking sites and blogs about your life and or your legal matters. You never know who is reading them.
7. Children: Do not bring your children to court or to your lawyer's office without discussing it with your lawyer first to make sure it is appropriate for your situation. If custody is an issue, the more the child knows about your lawsuit, the worse it can be for your case, let alone your child.
Giving It Back!
Jenny Pattana
Krusch & Sellers is giving back!
Since March 2008, Krusch & Sellers has been volunteering for a privately funded organization called Friendship Trays. All members of the Krusch & Sellers staff participate and so far, we have contributed over 30 hours. Friendship Trays mission is "To deliver daily, in a caring and friendly manner, balanced meals to individuals in this community who are unable, because of age or infirmity to obtain or prepare their own meals."
Friendship Trays began in 1976 and operates out of a warehouse space that has been renovated with a commercial kitchen. The meals are prepared based on the recipients specific needs, such as diabetes or low cholesterol. The recipients are people who live below the poverty line and cannot pay for their own meals. Some of the recipients live alone and may not see a single person all day.
There are over a thousand volunteers that help Friendship Trays meet their goal of delivering meals seven days a week to the 700 homebound recipients. Volunteers help with all aspects such as labeling the meals, helping in the kitchen, delivering the food, and helping in the office. Friendship Trays will work with the volunteer's schedule so a person can volunteer as much of their time as they can. A volunteer can volunteer every day, once a week or even once a month. Krusch & Sellers volunteers three times a month.
If you wish to find out how you can volunteer, please contact Friendship Trays at (704) 333-9229 or visit their website http://www.friendshiptrays.org/. Friendship Trays is located at 2401-A Distribution Street, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Future Lawyer Returns From Washington, DC
Claire Krusch
Spearheaded by the law firm of Krusch and Sellers, P.A., we are proud to announce that a deserving high school student from the local Charlotte area attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law July 6-14.
Krusch and Sellers helped raise over $1549.00 in tuition and expenses for a week in Washington, DC.
The National Youth Leadership Forum on Law nominates exceptional students from around the country who have achieved academic success and displayed outstanding leadership qualities.
Our firm is extremely proud to have sponsored this outstanding student and possible future lawyer.
4ALL
On April 4, 2008 the North Carolina Bar Association sponsored a statewide "4ALL" Campaign, in an effort to make legal services available to all residents of North Carolina. North Carolina attorneys volunteered their time to answer questions at phone banks and walk-in centers throughout the state. Krusch and Sellers, P.A. attorneys Leigh Sellers and Nick Cushing both participated in the event.
Let us Know
Have you moved recently or changed your phone number? Or, if you would like to let us know about your experience with the firm, please call us at (704) 556-0707 ext. 212 or email to Claire.Krusch@Kruschlaw.com. Your comments will be kept confidential.
Have comments regarding the newsletter? Topics you would like to see addressed by an attorney in the newsletter? Email us at Thom.Hall@Kruschlaw.com.
