Using The Same Divorce Lawyer As My Spouse – Good Or Bad Idea?
Couples who are friendly with one another but want to separate and divorce, may consider hiring the same Bucks County family attorney. If there are not a lot of disputes, they may believe that money will be saved by forgoing the expense of a second legal representative.
The issue is that lawyers are tasked with pursuing the best interests of their clients. In family law situations involving divorce, it is not possible for one lawyer to protect the best interests of each spouse in the divorce completely. Even when couples believe they see eye to eye on every issue, there are times when complexities in custody concerns and asset and debt distribution come up.
Desire to Settle Divorce Outside of Court
There are times when couples who are planning to settle their divorce out of court believe they can hire one attorney who will walk them through the process. This happens when the couple wants to divide assets equally in half or have decided each person will exit the marriage with the assets they brought into the union, for example.
But, conflicts do arise, even when a divorce is overall amicable. An example of this is in separations and divorces that include spousal maintenance. While the individuals could land on a number that seems appropriate, the reality is two lawyers would be negotiating two viewpoints. A lawyer representing a person receiving spousal support would fight for as much as they could while the lawyer on the side of the paying spouse would advocate for as little as possible. Through that negotiation, a fair figure could be determined.
If you truly do not believe two lawyers are necessary, consider working with a mediator. A neutral party who can facilitate conversations and negotiations can help a couple figure out what divorce terms will work for your circumstances.
Discussing Joint Representation
To determine what will work best for your situation, talk to a Bucks County family attorney. It is possible a single attorney is not the best choice. When navigating the divorce process, learn more about joint representation and family law before making a final decision that could impact your life and finances for years to come.
After talking about the details of your circumstances with a lawyer, the attorney will have an understanding of your priorities. Often the reason why an individual considers using the same lawyer as their spouse is because they want the divorce to happen quickly and efficiently. Know it is possible to have a fair and fast divorce while still having an attorney advocating for your unique needs. An experienced attorney will keep your desire for a tight timeline in mind as they negotiate on your behalf.
Do you want to talk about the pros and cons of joint representation in family law? The family law attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. can help. Our dedicated legal team understands the finer points of family law. There are opportunities to create the life you want. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.
