Can You and Your Spouse Share a Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce is one of those things you just don't think about until it happens. And once it does happen, there are many questions about what comes next.

One of the biggest questions people ask us is whether they can share a divorce lawyer.

We've seen some pretty creative solutions to this problem over the years. But unfortunately, none of them work because it's against the law for attorneys to split fees with clients.

The reason for this rule is simple: lawyers are officers of the court. They're supposed to put the interests of the client ahead of their own. If they start splitting fees, they might be tempted to take less money for themselves in exchange for taking more money for their spouse. This could lead to a situation where the person paying the bill gets screwed out of a fair settlement.

1. Ask around. Talk to friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, anyone who knows anything about divorce. Find out what happened during their divorces and see if they had a good experience.
2. Do research online. There are lots of sites that list attorneys by area and specialty. Look up the names of several local lawyers and compare their rates and qualifications.

When spouses are divorcing, there are many things that they want to do differently. They might want different lawyers, or they might want to go about the process differently. There are even times when spouses disagree over whether or not to file for divorce.

In some cases, however, spouses have similar goals. For example, they might both want to end the marriage because they don’t like each other anymore. Or perhaps they both want to keep the house and split the bills 50/50. Regardless of what they want, though, they still have opposing interests. One spouse wants to win while the other doesn’t care how long it takes.

This can cause problems for the attorneys representing those clients. Their job is to advocate for their client. However, if they are forced into advising against their client’s wishes, they could lose their license to practice law.

The cost of a contested divorce can vary widely depending on where you live, how long you've been married, whether you're filing jointly or separately, and what type of assets you each own. Experts say that the average cost of a contested divorce ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, although that number can go much higher.

In many states, couples must pay court fees and legal expenses upfront before a judge can decide whether they'll actually file for divorce. This is called "preparation," and it usually requires hiring a lawyer. In most cases, preparation costs range from $1,500 to $2,500.

A judge will likely ask both spouses about their financial situation, including income, debts, assets, and liabilities. Depending on the state, he or she may require one or both spouses to undergo psychological evaluations. And, in some states, a judge may order one or both spouses to attend marriage counseling.

The cost of a divorce can vary widely depending on where you live, how long you've been married, what type of assets you have, and how much money you each bring into the marriage. However, one thing that doesn't change is whether you're represented by a lawyer or not. There are several ways to go about getting divorced without having to pay a lawyer, but most people end up hiring one anyway. Here are three options worth considering.

Hire a Lawyer
A divorce lawyer can help you sort out everything from finances to children's custody and visitation. A lawyer can even represent you during the entire process. In fact, many lawyers charge hourly rates based on the amount of time spent working on your case.

Divorce Mediation
Mediators aren't always attorneys, but they do offer legal advice and guidance. They'll often act as a middleman between you and your spouse, helping you negotiate and reach agreements regarding things like property division, child custody and visitation, and alimony.

Hire a Divorce Coach
These days, there are plenty of coaches who specialize in helping couples navigate the emotional and financial challenges of divorce. Many provide coaching sessions over Skype or phone calls, allowing you to connect with someone no matter where you are. Some coaches also offer online counseling programs.

If you and your spouse are thinking about filing for divorce and want to ensure that you are getting the most out of your experience, it might be wise to hire your own attorney. You don't want to end up paying unnecessary fees along the way.

An experienced divorce attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can provide guidance and offer advice throughout the entire process. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.

We understand how stressful and overwhelming the divorce process can be, especially if you and your spouse aren't communicating well. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind. We offer free consultations and take the time to listen to what you're looking for, whether that's a simple divorce or something more complicated. We'll explain everything thoroughly and answer any questions you might have.