“What would you like to see happen?”

            Client-centered thinking shouldn’t be groundbreaking news.  Any attorney will agree that his job is to represent the best interests of his clients.  A problem I often see is that the attorney is the one deciding what’s best for his client.  This is a fantastic approach…when you’re dealing with kids.  I mean that not sarcastically, but there are legitimate legal situations, such as the role of the Guardian Ad Litem or an Adult Guardian, where the attorney should decide what is best for his client.

            On the other hand, a vast majority of cases in any field of law involve mature adults who are capable of thinking and making decisions for themselves.  I find that this is especially true with estate planning and domestic clients.  If Estate Planning Client Rory lays out his estate, I can give him some great advice on how to plan for retirement, long-term care, save on taxes, and protect the administration of his estate.  But, more often than not, Rory will have a planning conundrum for his family unique to his situation, the remedy for which goes beyond pure financial interests.

            Likewise, if Domestic Client Amy is struggling financially, is it in her best interest to keep a $200,000 house?  Should she turn down a great settlement offer that makes her give her engagement ring back?  That’s not my decision – it’s hers.  Of course, an attorney can advise her as to wise and available options, but the his goal is to seek his clients’ interests, however different they may be from his own.  That said, I always try to approach clients with an attitude toward discovering: “What would you like to see happen?”