Blog - Vacaville Attorney

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiring My Fairfield Divorce Lawyer

January 10, 2020 By davidknecht

Hiring someone to represent you in a divorce case can be challenging. The lawyer you hire will need to know personal details about your life, including information about your assets, finances, and children. Failure to hire the right person can land you into a frustrating future as you deal with expensive payments, less time with your children, and other difficulties. Here are 3 things you should look for when hiring a trustworthy divorce lawyer.

How Many Cases Have Gone to Trial?

When you meet with a lawyer, ask them about the percentage of cases they have that have gone to trial. Most people are able to come to an agreement out of court, but there are rare cases that do go to trial. In actuality, 1-2% of divorce cases go to trial. It is important to discuss this information with your attorney.

If you know you will be dealing with a complex case, you do need to be aware of the way the court will run. When you have a trial date, you want to know you have a trusted attorney on your side. How much experience do they have in cases similar to yours? Having an attorney with years of experience in needed when it comes to many difficult divorce cases. Contact David Knecht Law Firm today to discuss your divorce case. Our lawyers all have years of experience in family law with an emphasis in divorce.

Who Will Handle my Case?

Family law is an extremely personal and painful process for many people. There are some lawyers who outsource the majority of the work to new attorneys in the office, or even to the paralegals. It is important to know who will be working on your case and making sure you are working with the person that will handle your case directly.

State your case to the lawyer so they know how important it is to you to have contact with them directly. A good office will focus on making sure you have updates related to your case, and to make sure you are in touch with your lawyer frequently.

How Will the Billing Work?

Part of working with an attorney also comes down to understanding how the billing it set up. What are the details of billing? Will you be charged a retainer and how much will it cost when there are additional complexities added to your case? Some law firms have different billing rates when it comes to support staff. Filing fees and other court costs can be associated with a complex divorce case. Talk to your attorney about these costs as it is important to be aware of what you will be financially responsible for with your divorce case.

Divorce is a challenging time for everyone. It pays to hire the right lawyer to represent you and make sure you are properly taken care of during this time. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: General

4 Reasons David Knecht is The Right Vacaville Family Attorney

January 5, 2020 By davidknecht

When it comes to finding the right Vacaville attorney, it is vital to go beyond a Google search to identify the right person. Hiring an attorney to represent your legal rights is one of the most important decisions you will make. Family law matters require a person you can trust, and one that will have your best interest in mind when representing you. Here are four reasons why David Knecht is the Vacaville attorney you need to represent your legal rights:

Effective Communication
Experience and Expertise
Ethics
Fees

Effective Communication with an Attorney

One of the main signs of a good attorney is one who always returns your phone calls and focuses on making sure you are in the loop. Communication problems are one of the biggest issues people cite when working with attorneys. With over three decades of family law experience, David Knecht knows how vital it is to keep the lines of communication open with clients. A good attorney will provide information about case progress. Here are some things to discuss when you meet with various attorneys:

What legal options available for my case?
What should the strategy be to approach my case?
What is the timeline to move forward?
How often will you communicate with me?
What type of communication methods are available and when can I expect updates on my case?

While it is expected for an attorney to be busy, it is important to know that most attorneys have several people working with them and part of their role is to assist in case updates.

Experience and Expertise in Family Law

Hiring an ethical attorney is vital to your case! In 2019 alone, there were 300,000 family law petitions filed in the state of California. With family law being filled with a variety of different attorneys, how do you know you have chosen the right one?

A good attorney will have years of experience handling similar cases to yours. Family law is a complex matter. Seek out a lawyer with a skillset in your particular area. For some people, this means looking for an attorney who not only specializes in divorce cases, but also handles child custody. List out your needs to make it easier to find the right attorney for your needs.

One simple mistake such as failing to file a lawsuit on time can derail your entire case. Do yourself a favor and meet with multiple attorneys so you can be sure you have chosen someone you know you can trust.

Finding an Ethical Family Law Attorney in Vacaville

Going along with experience and expertise, you need to seek out the attorney you know will represent you ethically. David Knecht has built his firm on the foundation of trust and ethics. We don’t use improper tactics to try and win a case. We work directly with our clients to ensure we are putting together an ethical case with your best interests in mind. Some additional elements to consider about your attorney include:

Ability to maintain client confidence
Represent clients with undivided loyalty
Represent clients within the bounds of the law
Place client interests above their own

California has a disciplinary agency to ensure all attorneys are meeting the correct standards. A good attorney won’t be found on this site as they are always making sure they are practicing within the correct parameters of the law.

Read through our testimonials to learn for yourself how David Knecht maintains high client-attorney trust. We are proud to provide honest and fair family law services for Vacaville and surrounding communities.

Fair Legal Fees

When you are dealing with family law, you should always be able to understand the legal fees. When you hire an attorney, be upfront with them about your case and what you are expecting. Some of the common complaints people have about legal matters include:

Expensive bills
Bills are not itemized
Feeling that attorney is being paid too much for an inadequate job
Feeling that the paralegals did more work than the attorney
Nickel and diming the bill for every text message, short phone call, and other contact with the attorney or paralegals

As we have been in family law for many years, we know how infuriating it is for a client to have a large bill with no clarification or knowledge about the bill. We always discuss our legal fees with you directly so you know what to expect. In California, a written retainer is required in order to make sure all clients have a written retainer that discloses the billing system and charges. We show how you will be billed, itemize the statement, and make sure clients understand all charges. If you ever have a question pertaining to legal fees, please contact us directly at 707-451-4502.

The Law Offices of David Knecht is dedicated to providing you with the best family law services in the state. We are proud of our reputation, and always put our clients’ needs first. Contact our office to schedule a consultation or contact our office today at 707-451-4502!

Filed Under: Fairfield Attorney, Family Law, General

How to Find The Right Vacaville Divorce Attorney

December 15, 2019 By davidknecht

Hiring an attorney can be one of the most stressful decisions you need to make. It pays to do some research to find someone that you can trust and will be able to help you win your case. Unfortunately, this is not always as easy as it seems. With over 165,000 California attorneys currently in practice, how do you find the right one? Here are some tips to follow that will help you find the right Vacaville divorce attorney.

Tip # 1 – Experience

A family law case is not always the easiest thing to handle as there is a lot of emotion with the case. A good attorney will have experience in handling a number of divorce cases similar to yours, and their goal is to handle your case with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Since the judges can change their minds quickly, it pays to hire an attorney who has dealt with the judges in the past. Having experience in the courtroom and with the judge can make a difference in how well your case is handled.

Tip # 2 – Attention and Communication

A good attorney will give you the attention you deserve. Hire someone who returns your phone calls and emails. A good attorney will make you a priority, and they will want to do whatever they can to help you stay connected. A good attorney will be prompt in returning phone calls and emails and showing you that they do have your best interests at heart.

When you meet with the attorney, pay attention to how they talk to you. Do they give you eye contact? Does the attorney seem distracted when they are talking? Are they always playing on their phone when you are talking? Eye contact is critical as it shows they are paying attention and have a vested interest in helping you.

Tip # 3 – Deadlines

When it comes to divorce, you will have multiple deadlines for paperwork and other filings. A quality attorney will not miss a deadline. One of the biggest red flags is when you have an attorney who misses a deadline. Missing a court filing deadline can hurt the outcome of your case, and ultimately hurt your future.

Tip # 4 – Clear Billing Practices

Getting divorced is an expensive process, so it pays to hire someone who is clear with their billing practices. Family law is a specialized field, so it is common for some of the attorneys out there to hike up their rates and promise large victories. A good attorney will never guarantee a win, they will be cautiously optimistic when it comes to “predicting” a case. An attorney will be clear about their billing practices and will let you know what you will be charged for, and if there will be additional costs. There are fees that can occur later on, but a good attorney will make sure to bring up this information ahead of time, so you are aware. Trust is critical when it comes to family law matters and a good attorney knows the importance of transparency.

Tip # 5 – Questions

A good family law attorney will give you answers to your questions. Before you hire the attorney, come prepared with a list of questions. Most attorneys will give you a free initial consultation, which is the time you want to start asking questions. Take notes during the consultation and write down personality traits of the attorney. You need to hire someone you can connect with, and make sure you have someone that you can trust.

Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht if you want to hire the best Vacaville divorce attorney. Our experts specialize in divorce, child custody, domestic violence, child abuse cases, and more. We have the experience and expertise you need to move forward with your divorce case.

Filed Under: Fairfield Lawyer, Family Law, Vacaville Attorney

3 Most Important Things to Avoid After Being Charged with DUI

December 12, 2019 By davidknecht

Drunk driving continues to be one of the most serious crimes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about 1.5 million people are arrested yearly for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First-time offenders are not always prepared to handle the legalities that start when they have been charged with a DUI. Hiring a good attorney is one of the most important things you can do as you navigate the next steps to take.

Not Contacting a DUI Attorney

Many people aren’t sure what they should and should not do following a DUI charge. In some states, you can make your situation worse by doing the breathalyzer test or volunteering information to law enforcement. An attorney will be able to help you understand what you should and should not do so you don’t make the charges worse. DUI laws are complex and do require in-depth knowledge of the legal system.

An experienced and skilled DUI attorney will have experience with cases similar to yours and will be able to create a case strategy that provides a favorable outcome. The judges are another thing to consider as some are tougher on different types of DUI cases, so you do want an attorney who has dealt with the judges previously. The right attorney knows how to effectively present the information to the court in a way the judge prefers. Always make sure you are protected and do yourself a favor and hire an experienced DUI attorney.

Social Media

After you have been charged with a DUI, avoid social media. Make sure you have set your social media account to private so the information on your accounts cannot be used against you. Unfortunately, many people make their situation worse with pictures and postings showing you with drugs or alcohol on the night of the arrest. Prosecutors often use social media accounts and pull the incriminating photos to use against you in court. Not only do the images on the account hurt your case, they can also damage your reputation. Even if you are innocent, photographs and posts are not the information you need circulating about you. Do yourself a favor and avoid social media in the wake of a DUI arrest and do not post anything!

Acting Nonchalant

Following a DUI arrest, you need to take the situation seriously. Unfortunately, too many people act nonchalant after the arrest and assume their attorney will swoop in and take care of everything. If you haven’t taken a moment to write down everything that has occurred, you can make your attorney’s job extremely difficult to negotiate the best deal possible. Here are some things you need to work on following a DUI stop:

When and where were you when you were stopped?
Why did the officer stop you?
Did you take a breath test? What did the device look like?
Did you tell the officer anything about what you ate or drank?
What tests did the officer do in addition to the breath test? Did you do a eye tracking test, talk and turn, and one leg stand?

Taking a few minutes to go over everything and writing it down can help your attorney work on your case. The Law Offices of David Knecht Law in Vacaville has been working in DUI law for over three decades. Our experts are here to help. Contact our office for a consultation.

Filed Under: DUI, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Differences Between Top Notch & Mediocre Family Attorneys

December 7, 2019 By davidknecht

With the number of attorneys in the Vacaville area, how do you know if you are hiring the right one? Here are three key differences that will help you identify a top-notch attorney from a mediocre family attorney.

Time

A big indicator of a good attorney is how much time they spend with their clients. If you struggle to get them on the phone, or even to get a response to an email, they may not have the dedication to you that you desire. A good attorney is focused on spending time with you and focusing on your case. The attorney should have one of their paralegals send you updates on the case so you do stay informed, even if nothing changes.

A top-notch attorney will spend time studying the facts of the case and looking at the case from all angles. Attorneys will also consult with experts and other attorneys to ensure they have identified all problems and possible issues that could arise with your case. Speak to your attorney and find out how many other cases they are currently working so you know how much attention they will provide to you.

Empathy

Family law is a personal matter, leading to many emotions for clients. You need to have an attorney that understands the sensitive nature of your case and wants to help. A good attorney will know how the decisions they make with you can impact your children and your future. Here are some of the signs that show the signs of a good attorney from a mediocre one:

The attorney gives you the confidence to talk candidly.
The attorney will listen to you.
The attorney makes you feel comfortable with everything that you are facing.
The attorney will answer questions you ask.
The attorney will be honest about your case including fees, timeframe, and how the process will work.

A good attorney has a heart and they understand how difficult this entire process will be for you. If you do not feel good about the attorney when you meet with them, contact a new attorney to find one that shows empathy for your situation and your case.

Trust

A good attorney is understandable and wants to help you through your case. If you ask questions and the attorney cannot give you clear answers, it may be wise to look for a different attorney. Everything you provide to the attorney is in confidence with them. Your attorney will listen and take the information and will not share it with other people. Trust is critical when it comes to family law case and you deserve an attorney that cares about you and will not break your trust.

After you meet with multiple attorneys, go over the pros and cons of the attorneys and determine which one checks all the boxes you need. David Knecht Law in Vacaville is here to help with all your family law needs. Our experts have over three decades of family law experience, and our goal is to ensure the best outcome for you and your case. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

Filed Under: Family Law, Legal Advice, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Most Important Things to Avoid After Being Charged with DUI

December 1, 2019 By davidknecht

Not Contacting a DUI Attorney

Social Media

Acting Nonchalant

When and where were you when you were stopped?
Why did the officer stop you?
Did you take a breath test? What did the device look like?
Did you tell the officer anything about what you ate or drank?
What tests did the officer do in addition to the breath test? Did you do a eye tracking test, talk and turn, and one leg stand?

Filed Under: DUI, Fairfield Attorney, Fairfield Lawyer

3 Things Most People Knew Before Hiring a Family Attorney

November 7, 2019 By davidknecht

Hiring the right person to handle your family law case may feel like an arduous process. However, if you spend some time doing some research, you can find the right attorney for your needs. Here are some things you need to know before you hire a family attorney.

Prepare for a Consultation

When you schedule a consultation, you need to be aware of what you are planning to ask when you talk to the attorney. Are you looking to get some advice from the attorney? Are you planning to have a specific task completed by the attorney as you do plan on representing yourself in some way? You need to have a budget and discuss this with your attorney in order to make sure you are on the same page when it pertains to the costs.

There are some attorneys who will do phone consultations if you are seeking some advice. Make a list of questions you’d like answered prior to meeting with the attorney to go over the specifics related to your case.

How Much Involvement Do You Want?

Some people do not want to have a lot of involvement in their case, while others want to have multiple updates. Do you prefer them to send you email or phone updates? You need to make sure you are up-front and have realistic expectations with the attorney. Would you like the attorney to be more aggressive and focus on moving the case into court versus working on negotiation and mediation?

Forecasting a Positive Outcome

When you work with an attorney, you want to find someone who is on your side. Forecasting a positive outcome will make you feel better about your case, but also about your future. You need to make sure you have a positive attitude when you come into the room with the attorney so they can see your hopefulness for the future. A good attorney will not only feel capable of handling your case, but they will also help you get established in the future with connections for a support network.

Define What is Important to You

There are always people who say they are unhappy with the outcome of the divorce. While it is normal for there to be situations when you cannot get everything you want in a divorce, a good attorney will do their best to give you the best outcome. Divorce does mean you will have to sacrifice things, but your attorney will work on making sure you are treated fairly. If there are certain assets or intangibles that are important to you, make sure you tell your attorney. The attorney will have a priority list with the negotiations and will work hard to bring you the right outcome.

Contact David Knecht Law firm in Vacaville, CA today to schedule a consultation for your family law case.

Filed Under: General

Characteristics of a Great DUI Attorney

November 1, 2019 By davidknecht

Finding a great DUI attorney can be a difficult process, especially if this is your first DUI. Finding a good criminal defense attorney comes down to the following five characteristics:

Excellent Communication
Confidentiality
Experience and Knowledge
Aggressiveness
Empathy

Excellent Communication

A good attorney will know how to listen to their clients. If you have an attorney that doesn’t put your needs first could cause you to have a larger fee to pay, or jail time to face. Not only should your DUI attorney be able to listen to you, they should be able to listen to the judges and opposing attorney. Having excellent communication is vital to making sure the case will go in your favor. A good attorney will know how to communicate with everyone and will know how to negotiate effectively.

Confidentiality

A DUI case can be embarrassing for some people. If you want to keep your arrest on the down low, you need to make sure you are working with an attorney who focuses on confidentiality. The information you communicate to your attorney should stay between the two of you. Make sure you talk about confidentiality with your DUI attorney prior to hiring them.

Experience and Knowledge

DUI law is always changing, which can lead to confusion for a lot of clients and even their attorneys. You need to make sure the DUI attorney you work with keeps up with the latest changes in the law and has recent experience in the courtroom with similar cases. Having more experience in DUI law is beneficial to your case as the attorney not only has recent information, but they have likely worked with the judge who was assigned to your case. A good attorney has experience with each judge and can tailor your case accordingly to obtain the best possible outcome.

Aggressiveness

A good attorney will have the experience in the courtroom you need in order to be aggressive. Having the right level of aggressiveness in the courtroom can help to improve your outcome in the case, and hopefully reduce the risk of large penalties and jail time.

Empathy

A DUI is not an easy thing to process for a lot of people. To some people, it’s a wake-up call to change their behaviors. To others, a DUI is simply a nuisance. No matter what, your attorney needs to have empathy for your situation. Some attorneys try to help their patients with their future by offering some counseling services to help you on your journey towards recovery and a positive future.

Contact the Law Offices of David Knecht Law in Vacaville, CA, today to discuss your DUI. These five characteristics will help you find the right attorney to represent you in court.

Filed Under: Fairfield Lawyer, Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer

3 Secrets to Finding the Best Vacaville Divorce Attorney

October 27, 2019 By davidknecht

One of the hardest moments in life is going through a divorce. In the United States, a divorce occurs every 36 seconds. With such a high percentage of divorce, there is no question why many people are consulting attorney’s prior to marriage in order to protect their assets. If you are in a position where you do need a Vacaville divorce attorney, here are 3 things you need to find to find the right one.

Search for an Attorney Who Focuses on Everyone’s Best Interests

When it comes to divorce, there will be a lot of emotions happening. Some people cannot think clearly and can easily make mistakes in the divorce proceedings. Protecting yourself is important, but it also pays to have an attorney who watches out for everyone in the divorce. Are the decisions you making going to have a large impact on the daily routine of your children? Understanding how negotiation works may help you select an attorney that feels right for your situation, especially if neither you and your soon to be ex-spouse have the desire to “battle” for everything acquired in the marriage.

Up Front with Costs

As you work with an attorney, consider discussing the divorce costs with them right away. Will a flat rate fee be easier for your situation, or do you fear getting a large bill for the divorce? A simple divorce may not be worth the amount of money you pay in a large flat rate fee. A good attorney will talk to you about the financial ramifications you can expect from a divorce.

Does the Attorney Care?

Meet with several attorneys before you hire someone. An experienced attorney in divorce law should have empathy and compassion for their clients. You need to hire someone that feels like a good fit for your case. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are comparing attorneys:

Have they dealt with similar divorces to yours?
Do they have plenty of experience?
Do you feel like you can speak with them directly?

Find an attorney you can connect with, and one that you feel has your best interests in mind when handling your case. There are attorneys who can provide you with compassion and care while also fighting for your rights. Contact David Knecht Law in Vacaville to schedule a consultation to discuss your divorce case.

Filed Under: General

Why David Knecht is The Best Vacaville Attorney

October 22, 2019 By davidknecht

An attorney is someone who needs to have experience and the right level of knowledge in all aspects of the law. Attorneys can learn from any law school, but it takes the right characteristics to truly become the best Vacaville attorney. With experience comes new knowledge, which allows many attorneys to become successful in the courtroom. David Knecht has been practicing in the Vacaville area for almost two decades. David brings years of experience in law to his clients as he specializes in multiple areas of the law including:

Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Wills
Living Trusts
Probate
Trust Administration
Criminal
DUI
Juvenile

Why an Attorney Needs Excellent Communication

A good attorney will be able to listen well in addition to having good written communication. There are several documents that need to be filed, and one simple mistake on a form could delay your case for several weeks or months!

Analytical Skills

At the Law Offices of David Knecht, we focus on looking at each case we take on from all angles. We believe it is important to have both points of view in order to have a well-rounded position when working a case. Our experts are able to take in large amounts of information, process it effectively, and use it to present the best place possible. A good attorney has to be capable of thinking on their toes as the courtroom will toss curveballs at them from time to time. David Knecht has proven time and time again that he is always willing and capable of getting the job done!

Personable Skills

Your Vacaville attorney needs to be able to work with all personality types. David Knecht Law Offices work with a skilled team of experts who are accountable, organized, and have the listening and people skills needed to manage a courtroom. We know that we work with people, and the way we work on a case can impact a person’s life forever. Our experts know how to read people, and we know how to focus on presenting an honest case to the judge.

Without good people skills, an attorney would not be able to look at the case from all angles and bring you the right outcome. David Knecht has the personable skills needed to make him the best Vacaville attorney. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Vacaville Attorney, Vacaville Lawyer