Can a Friend Be Represented by a Friend Who Is an Attorney in a Divorce?
While the lawyer you hire should have a good track record, can a friend represent you in a divorce? That’s a question that will vary from case to case. If you’re considering hiring a friend as your attorney, here are some important considerations. First, don’t hire a lawyer who represents both sides; a lawyer can’t help one side without hurting the other. And, remember that lawyers are expensive. They have to pay their bills, too.
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Getting free legal advice from a friend
Getting free legal advice from a friend during a divorce is an option you can consider. These individuals may have experience in divorce cases. They may be able to help you navigate the process and keep you from spending more money than you can afford. Divorce is an emotional and complicated process, and attorneys can help you find the path that’s best for you. However, the advice of a friend is risky.
Getting recommendations from a friend’s attorney
Asking your friends, family members, or coworkers for attorney recommendations can be helpful. While an attorney-client relationship is close, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your friend or coworker will be the best lawyer for your case. While it can help to get recommendations from people you know, it may not always be helpful when you’re going through a divorce. There are many other factors to consider, as well, such as the lawyer’s experience in similar cases.
Keeping a lawyer-client relationship professional
There are several ways to keep your attorney-client relationship professional during a divorce, including by following the rules governing such relationships. First, be sure to read your attorney-client agreement carefully. If you are unsure, ask your attorney to explain it to you in writing. Then, follow up with an apology. If you are not comfortable with the answer, find another lawyer. It is important for the sake of your case that your attorney remains professional, but it is also your duty to keep your relationship professional.
Conflict of interest
A friend of a spouse or attorney who is a close friend may have a conflict of interest when both of them represent a spouse in a divorce. A divorce lawyer may represent both sides in a divorce case, so there could be a conflict of interest if one is represented by a former client or represents both parties jointly. This is especially true if the attorney represents children or grandparents. It may also be a conflict if the attorney serves as a GAL for the children or grandparents.
Choosing a lawyer for a friend
There are some things to look for when choosing a divorce lawyer. Don’t be lured by fancy animations or flashy graphics on a website. Also, stay away from websites that are completely bare-bones. If a divorce lawyer does not have a website, that’s a bad sign. You want a website that shows expertise in divorce law and a track record of success.
Having a friend represent you in a divorce
While you can always have a friend represent you in a divorce, you should be aware of the legal requirements for such a representation. Most states require that any attorney representing a client be licensed to practice law. Therefore, a friend cannot legally represent you in court. But your friend may know a good local attorney who can represent you. Your friend should not pick sides in your family dispute, however.