I. REPRESENTATION
I hereby authorize CVLS to represent me in connection with my family law matter. I understand that:
- Under this agreement, CVLS will help me with my family law matter, “my case”. CVLS is not committing to provide assistance on any matter other than family law matters.
- CVLS does not make and cannot make any promises about how my case will turn out.
- The person handling my case will be an attorney, who may also assign and supervise a paralegal, law clerk, or Supreme Court Rule 711 law student licensed to practice law to work on the case. CVLS will tell me who is handling my case as soon as possible.
- A team approach will be used in handling my case. At CVLS’ discretion, the CVLS attorney, paralegal, law clerk, Supreme Court Rule 711 law student will confer and discuss issues and develop strategies with other CVLS-affiliated attorneys and staff and delegate work to, or be assisted by, other CVLS-affiliated staff.
- CVLS will not automatically appeal my case if I lose or if I am not satisfied with the result. CVLS may appeal my case if CVLS decides, after talking with me and determining there is sufficient merit to my appeal.
II. MY RIGHTS AS A CLIENT
CVLS will keep information about my case private, except as described in section IV of this agreement, and will otherwise do its work in a professional and ethical way.
CVLS will always tell me about important developments in my case and will give me information about my case when I request it, so long as my requests are reasonable.
CVLS will not settle any part of my case without my approval.
In compliance with Section 508(f) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/508, a Statement of Client’s Rights and Responsibilities is linked to at the end of this document for your review.
III. MY DUTIES AS A CLIENT
I will answer any email, letter or telephone call from CVLS within 24 hours and I will always make sure they have my current address, email and telephone number if I change them.
I will not settle my legal problem without telling CVLS first and without providing CVLS a reasonable opportunity to discuss the proposed settlement with me. I will cooperate with CVLS and give them documents and other information they need to represent me.
I will timely provide all accessible information and documentation relevant to my case requested by CVLS.
I will make myself available to participate in my case as directed by CVLS.
IV. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO OTHERS
I authorize CVLS to disclose information concerning me or my case to appropriate persons, but only as necessary to properly represent me or to comply with state or federal law.
V. COURT COSTS AND LAWYERS’ COSTS
Court Costs If my case goes to court, CVLS will try to get any court or other costs waived. However, I understand that I have to pay any costs that the court won’t waive, such as filing fees, service fees, witness fees, expert fees, fees for printing, copying, court reporters and transcripts or such other fees and expenses allowed by the court. CVLS will tell me in advance, as best it can, of how much money will, or may, be needed for any such fees and costs. At the end of my case, CVLS will refund any money I deposited that wasn’t used.
Lawyer’s Fees CVLS is handling this case pro bono and I will not be charged for CVLS attorney and staff time. If CVLS is able to obtain attorney’s fees and costs from the opposing party, I authorize them to request and retain such fees.
VI. ENDING THIS AGREEMENT
I have the right to end this agreement at any time by telling CVLS, in writing, that I do not want its services or that I am no longer interested in the case. Sometimes a court may require me to get its approval to do this. If I end this agreement, CVLS will not get another lawyer to represent me.
CVLS has the right to end this agreement before my legal problem is complete but must do so in writing. If CVLS represents me in a case before a court or agency, it can withdraw from the case only if the court or agency gives its approval. CVLS will follow all court rules and procedures for withdrawal, including providing me with written notification.
Unless otherwise ended by either party as set forth above, this agreement shall terminate after entry of a judgment or final order disposing of the case including dismissal of the case, unless extended thereafter in writing.
VII. OTHER MATTERS.
Severability. The parties to this agreement acknowledge and agree that if any portion, paragraph, or provision herein is deemed unenforceable, all provisions not deemed unenforceable shall remain in full force and effect.
Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed an interpreted by the laws of the State of Illinois.
Complete Agreement. This agreement represents the complete agreement of the Client and CVLS regarding the matters set forth herein. There are no other oral or written agreements between the Client and CVLS regarding the matters set forth herein. There are no representations other than those that are expressed in this agreement.
Acknowledgements. By your signature below, you acknowledge you have read this entire agreement, you understand the entire agreement, and any questions you have concerning the agreement have been answered to your satisfaction.
