Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Divorce Lawyer?

If your marriage is ending and you are considering filing for a divorce, it is strongly recommended that you have an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer on your side. To save money, you and your spouse may consider hiring one divorce lawyer to represent you both. This is a bad idea, as it fails to protect your individual rights and best interests during divorce proceedings. 

Tempted To Use the Same Divorce Lawyer?

If you are contemplating getting a divorce, you are encouraged to speak with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney. We can advise you on important issues that are likely to arise in your divorce case and protect you in any final settlements or orders issued. There are times when a couple might consider hiring one divorce lawyer to represent both of them. This is likely to include: 

• To simplify the process;
• In situations where they want to save money;
• If they have a lawyer that has helped them in other legal matters;
• If they both consent to the divorce and are in agreement on matters pertaining to money, property, and children. 

While this may seem like a good idea, hiring one divorce lawyer to represent you both will likely hurt you in the long run. The Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct generally frown on the practice and you should distrust any legal professional who offers to provide this service. 

Reasons Why, if You are Getting a Divorce in Illinois, You Need Your Own Divorce Lawyer

The whole point of having a divorce lawyer on your side is to make sure your individual rights under the Illinois Statutes and your best interests in divorce proceedings are protected. Reasons why you should adamantly avoid having the same divorce lawyer represent you both include: 

• It fails to protect your individual rights: You need a divorce lawyer who is on your side alone and is dedicated to protecting your individual rights;
• It creates a conflict of interest: What benefits you in a divorce is likely not to benefit your spouse. This creates a conflict of interest when one divorce lawyer represents you both. 
• It fails to account for potential future problems: It is not uncommon for a divorce to be uncontested at first, only to have serious disputes involving money, property, and children arise prior to a final order. 
• It breaches confidentiality: How can a divorce lawyer maintain confidentiality with both spouses when what one says could adversely impact the other? 

Discuss Your Case With Our Illinois Divorce Lawyer Our Lake Forest Divorce Lawyer Today

At The Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group, our top priority is ensuring your rights are protected. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer today.