JANUARY 2025 | 13 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. difference between sole and joint custody2 and what parenting time means, which will affect their goals. Then, talk with them a bit about child support. Explain how that works,3 find out what they owe and own, and then help them set reasonable child support goals. Find out if a name change is requested.4 Talk about tax exemptions. Find out if alimony5 is applicable and, if so, what their monetary goals are. Most importantly, listen and take notes. Lastly, read all of their goals back to them. Be sure you are on the same page and that you’re communicating clearly with the client. Once they hear you read their goals back to them, they might say, “No, that’s not what I wanted in that area.” By establishing exactly what their realistic, achievable goals are, you will have the basis for knowing where you will eventually end the case – hopefully, with a win. When you ask the client to give you the facts of their case, really listen. If possible, have a paralegal take detailed notes. It’s important that you take notes, too, but you should spend most of your time absorbing what the client is saying and processing that information. If you try to take down everything that is said, it will impede
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