Interview With Demetria
How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a family
law attorney?
To answer this question, it's probably best that I share the time in
which I decided to open my practice, resulting in my "compelling
story" that brought me to where I am today, assisting people like
you on exactly what to do to “Make a Fresh Start.”
When I passed the bar I was naturally eager to begin my career. After considering
many firms I selected a position in a small family law firm not far from
my home. Like most small firms, I was “thrown in the water”
and had to quickly figure out how to navigate the family law waters and
find the best strategies to effectively assist my clients. I soon realized
that this was the hardest time of life that each client would face (next
to a death in the family) and it was just as important to tread carefully
and be sensitive to their needs as it was to deliver good legal service.
Not only was it important to pay close attention to the sensitive time
each client faced, but I also realized it does my clients great service
if I honestly explained the “Family Law Process” in laymen’s
terms and correctly set expectations. Some attorneys promise more than
the law allows as a means to secure new clients, only to dash their hopes
late in the game. I found that honest evaluation of my client's cases
eliminates much of the stress and uncertainty of the legal process.
Although sensitivity and honesty is extremely important, I strongly felt
the pressure to close more clients by making false promises and bill more
hours but spend less time with each person than I felt was necessary.
It seemed that I would need to either find a new firm to practice my own
style of family law or to open my own office.
While contemplating this decision, I was very fortunate to meet an attorney
who felt the same way and who had just opened her own law practice. After
I explained my situation, she was convinced that I should begin my own
practice. At that very moment, I decided that I would make the commitment
to not only myself but to my potential clients to exercise family law
my style. I would provide total attention to my client’s needs,
deliver well devised case plans based on such needs and provide a through
explanation of the process in clear, laymen’s terms.
So it happened! On July 5, 2005 I opened my doors as a family law attorney
in the San Gabriel Valley. I adopted my “client focus” mantra
and here I am, assisting our clients in making a fresh start, thoroughly
explaining the process so each person can understand it and alleviating
that one thing that causes so much stress – the unknown! Because
of our success at simplifying and explaining the process we have also
had the opportunity to appear on several TV shows and radio broadcasts.
Due to client request we recently expanded our practice to also include
the practice of bankruptcy, an area which requires the same level of trust
as family law (maybe more), and also requires thorough explanation of
the law and the effect the process has on your life.
I have since made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional
life to aiding our ideal clients through this very treacherous time and
seeing them safely to their “Fresh Start.”
Since then, I've worked with hundreds of both family law and bankruptcy
clients, spoken in front of countless groups and appeared on Television
and Radio.
Who are your clients?
I work with people just like you who are facing an extremely difficult
time in family law or bankruptcy. I work with people who need a clean
break from their current situation and assistance in navigating the sometimes
confusing world of family law and bankruptcy and who are looking for an
experienced attorney to assist in this transition. These tragic circumstances
affect all ages, creeds, genders and professions and we welcome anyone
who is serious about taking the next step and who wants to get their problem
addressed and resolved in a rapid, professional matter.
How are you different from other Attorneys?
Although I certainly do the "attorney like" things that will
smoothly and rapidly wrap up your case (filing court motions, make court
appearances, discuss matters with opposing counsel, etc.), you will also
have me as a warm, approachable and thorough advisor.
I ONLY work family law and bankruptcy cases. In other words, I'm not
a Jill-of-all-trades-attorney. I refer all cases in other areas to other
attorneys. What that means to you is that I am very focused on anything
and everything that works for your case. Because my focus is very specific,
what you get with me is no-nonsense, undiluted expertise on what works
for you. Simply put, I've become very experienced at this stuff and
that's why my clients get great results. Plus I throw in a healthy
dose of compassion, humor and encouragement, which ALWAYS helps!.
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
The Graves Law Firm was created for people who are committed and serious
about terminating their past relationship, obtaining orders for child
custody and support concerns, dividing property, ending financial worries
through bankruptcy and ending the constant worry and discomfort of not
knowing how they will move forward!
Being an extremely focused professional, I'm known to work best with
people who are ready to get going and just want to know exactly what steps
to take to eliminate their current family law or bankruptcy problems.
Consider what you'll do with me to get this done. By asking me to tackle
your issue you will be taking serious action and in return I'll ask
you to make big decisions. No excuses anymore, just a very different way
of thinking and full support while you achieve this incredibly exciting
goal: A Fresh Start.
Please know I'm very selective in who I work with and I cherry-pick
my clients, choosing to (gently) turn away people who expect results that
can't be delivered under the laws of the State of California.
The Graves Law Firm is for those who are ready to make a change in their
life, for those who are positive about using the family law process and
for those who want to find a solution and move on. It's been my experience
that people like this will act on the recommendations I give them and
will be able to move on to a fresh start.
If you don't think you need to change anything, are negative about
the family law process or want to use the legal process to get even with
the opposing party, it's absolutely OK and I would recommend three things:
- Research other attorneys in your area that may better fit your needs;
-
Sign up for my
free newsletter. The information there will get you started towards your goals and help
you select an ideal attorney for yourself.
These three things will really help you, even if you do not wish to work
with our firm. Should your needs change we can determine at that time
if we should move forward. (I'm in no rush and will be here when you need me.)
What results can I expect?
You can expect the following:
- Initial phone consultation with me;
- Approachable and warm reception from myself and staff;
- Personalized attention to your exact case needs;
- Clear and careful review of all court documents;
- Honest interpretation of your legal situation and the most effective and
cost effective strategy to reach your goals;
- A detailed “Game Plan” to address your specific case needs;
- Patience as you navigate through this difficult time;
- A thorough explanation of all legal terms and processes so you will fully
understand the dynamics of your case;
- Your phone calls/emails will be answered within 24 Hours (excluding weekends!);
- A copy of all correspondence generated by our office or anything received
from the “other side”;
- A detailed invoice so you are aware of your account each month;
- You will be informed of all important developments on your case;
- Professional representation for your court appearances;
- Meetings with me prior to all court appearances and other case meetings;
- FREE weekly newsletter so you are very aware of what is going in the law;
- Trusted professional service so finally you can sleep at night…knowing
someone has your best interest at heart.
Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to
work with you?
Yes, I encourage you to! First please go to the Testimonials page and read
about some great results there. These are actual clients that we have
helped get a FRESH START! During our first consultation I can give you
contact information for clients you can speak with.
How quickly can I expect results?
Obviously, this depends on your situation and the severity of the matter.
On average it takes between three months to one year to resolve a divorce
or bankruptcy, again depending on the severity of your situation; are
there kids involved, property, retirement funds, debt, etc.
How can I assist in making this a smooth and speedy process?
Be ready to make decisions, complete any “assignments” I may
give to you, be willing to compromise and remember your goals. Stay focused
on the finish line and try not to get too invested into who appears to
be winning the race.
OK, I'm ready to do this, what is my next step?
If we don't have a call scheduled, already, just email me at
demetriagraves@yahoo.com or call us directly at (866) 930-0582 and we'll be happy to help.
If a call is already scheduled, and you are preparing for it, then your
next assignment is to review our client
testimonials. After looking at them, refer back to your call preparation email for
the next step.