As you search for quality legal representation for your upcoming divorce, it may cross your mind to hire just one family law attorney to represent you and your soon-to-be former spouse. After all, bringing in one lawyer versus two could cut down on expenses and create one channel of communication for everyone. Plus, what’s the harm if you and your spouse agree to those terms?
While the idea of sharing a divorce lawyer may sound great on paper, here’s why it just doesn’t work…
It’s a Simple Matter of Conflicting Interests
Even if you and your spouse are willing to work together to achieve a peaceful divorce and terms you can both agree on, you are still opposing parties in a legal case. As such, you each have your own rights and best interests to consider, and serious discussions must be had on matters related to property division, spousal maintenance, child support, custody, visitation, etc. This creates a conflict of interest and makes it impossible for one family law attorney to represent both of you at the same time.
Even if an attorney was willing to do so as a favor, they legally and ethically couldn’t accept this role and would highly suggest that each of you hire your own family law attorney moving forward.
A few benefits of hiring your own family law attorney include:
- Objective, impartial, and professional guidance
- Ensuring your individual rights are protected
- Help you make informed decisions throughout the process
- Reaching the best possible outcome for your unique situation
What About Mediation?
While a family law attorney cannot represent both clients in the same divorce, they can serve as an impartial third-party mediator. A mediator does not have to be a lawyer, but many lawyers double as mediators. Either way, the mediator is not there to represent one party over the other and has no authority to force either party to settle.
A divorce mediator’s role can change from one mediation case to the next. But here are a few of their more common responsibilities.
- Create a fair and neutral environment
- Facilitate all communication between the parties involved
- Encourage constructive conversations, precise language, and accountability
- Ensure clarity throughout the entire process
- Answer questions about the legal system
- Provide insight into how a judge might view a particular issue
- Suggest alternatives to solve complex issues
- Assist in finalizing a voluntary agreement between all parties
Please call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for your legal needs today!
Looking for family law services in Collin County, Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs throughout Collin County.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to helping our clients at each stage of their legal situation.
