Fluency in other languages always benefits a lawyer’s practice, but fluency in body language is essential. No matter what a client is telling you–or not saying–their body language can speak volumes. These tips help you know whether to change direction during a meeting, or if you’re on the right track:

Whether or not you believe in the afterlife, there’s one thing that can’t be disputed: debt after death lives on. Seventy-three percent of Americans die with some form of debt to their name, with an average debt of $61,554, including home loans, according to Credit.com.

While the deceased might escape the creditors, their survivors don’t. This can be a source of stress for survivors, but contrary to popular belief, family members are not responsible for paying outstanding debt in most cases. The exceptions are community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Alaska) where a spouse can be held responsible for the debts of another.

You might make a good first impression when meeting a new small business client, but does the same hold true for your practice? Dressing professionally, appearing confident, making eye contact, a firm handshake – as an attorney, you know how to do that.