Many divorcing couples want to share one lawyer to handle their divorce. They may have already decided how they want to divide their property or have limited assets to divide. However, in Michigan, one lawyer cannot ethically represent both parties in a divorce. Therefore, after receiving numerous requests to represent both parties in a divorce, we have created a procedure to allow our firm to handle all of the paperwork and assist in completing the divorce from beginning to end.
There are a number of benefits of a One Lawyer Divorce. The primary benefit is a complete divorce handled by an experienced divorce attorney for less money that you would pay two attorneys. Also, when parties agree to complete their divorce amicably, without fighting and without litigation, there is less stress, and the parties are more prepared for life post-divorce. Finally, if there are minor children, an amicable divorce can lessen the impact of the divorce on the children. Read some additional advantages here.
Since one lawyer cannot ethically represent both parties in Michigan, one party will retain Pitler Family Law & Mediation, P.C. However, that party will sign an Acknowledgment stating that the attorney is being hired to draft the paperwork and to appear in court, and specifically instructs the attorney not to take any actions that will disrupt the process.
No, a One Lawyer Divorce is only suitable if the parties have reached an agreement on the major issues in the divorce or have few assets to divide. If the parties have disagreements about how to divide the property or regarding custody or parenting time of the minor children, they should each retain their own attorney. In addition, a One Lawyer Divorce would not be appropriate if there is domestic violence. Further, we will only handle divorce cases where the parties have agreed to divide the assets equally.
Yes, one option is a Collaborative Divorce. In a Collaborative Divorce, the parties and the attorneys sign a contract agreeing to work together to reach a settlement. The parties agree that, if a settlement is not reached, the attorneys will withdraw from the case, thereby taking away any incentive for either attorney to initiate litigation to generate a larger fee.
In addition, parties can agree to retain a private mediator to resolve the issues in their divorce prior to filing or soon thereafter, eliminating the need for litigation.
"I would like to thank everyone at Pitler Family Law for all of your help with the divorce proceedings. You all handled my case very well and treated me with respect. Thank you so much!"
