Using the same divorce attorney

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used the same divorce attorney to handle your case? DH and I just want the best for our kids and believe we can be fair. We have had extensive marital counseling, and the therapist was the one who suggested that we might benefit from a low conflict divorce by using one attorney.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean use one attorney as a mediator? One attorney representing adverse parties is the definition of a conflict.

[Anonymous]

No attorney will handle both of you.

[Anonymous]

Oh if it’s mediation then yes.

[Anonymous]

I did this with my ex. As the pp stated, the lawyer can only represent one of you and if they are good they will be very clear about that and the associated risks. We used a lawyer who specializes in quick, uncomplicated, low conflict divorces. It worked because we made our own agreement (50/50 custody being the big one) and had simple finances. There is some risk for the person who goes in without a lawyer, but I knew my ex well enough to believe she wouldn't try to do anything sketchy. Our divorce cost $750, which included the fee for the process server.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did this with my ex. As the pp stated, the lawyer can only represent one of you and if they are good they will be very clear about that and the associated risks. We used a lawyer who specializes in quick, uncomplicated, low conflict divorces. It worked because we made our own agreement (50/50 custody being the big one) and had simple finances. There is some risk for the person who goes in without a lawyer, but I knew my ex well enough to believe she wouldn't try to do anything sketchy. Our divorce cost $750, which included the fee for the process server.

If it was low conflict, why did you need to use a process server?

[Anonymous]

No attorney will do this. It's a conflict of interest.

[Anonymous]

Just use a mediator. You need separate attorneys to look over the docs though.

[Anonymous]

Use a mediator. Some are also attorneys.

I would still get an attorney to review the agreement before you sign it...you both should.

[Anonymous]

I just posted above. One of you could hire an attorney to draft the agreement and the other can sign it. The attorney is just representing one of you though. If your partner is comfortable not having an attorney, you can do it that way. Or, just go to a mediator, or mediator-attorney.

[Anonymous]

Ok it sounds like we just need a mediator. Do you recommend the mediator be an attorney or it doesn't matter?

[Anonymous]

Personally, I think it is better if the mediator is also an attorney. I heard good things about Susan Butler in Fairfax.