Lawyer Phobia
Notes for Mental Health Professionals

Has a client ever expressed to you the fear that hiring an attorney would “cost too much and make everything worse”?  Most people know someone who has been through an expensive and contentious divorce, and want to avoid that scenario.  While lawyers do represent clients in litigation, that is not all they do.  There are a number of other ways that attorneys can provide help, particularly in collaboration with divorce mediation.   When these services are contracted for individually, it is sometimes called “unbundled legal services.”  You can suggest that your client request any or all of the following

1.      Advice – Prior to mediation, an individual can see an attorney for advice about divorce law and how it applies to their specific situation regarding property, custody, and other issues.  This information empowers the person when they enter mediation.

2.      Consultation – As specific issues come up, an attorney can answer questions.  Once the couple has a completed mediation agreement, each partner can have an attorney review and make suggestions,

3.      Writing a legal document - An attorney can turn the mediated agreement in a legal document.

4.      Filing divorce papers – While you do not have to have a lawyer to file for divorce, many people want an attorney to do the paperwork for the court for them.  A “mediation-friendly” attorney can be a valuable asset to your client!