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.