Many Want to Bring A Friend or Family Member to Consultations
Nothing in life is without risk, and divorce is no exception. During a stressful time, it’s understandable that people want the support of friends and family who have been there for them throughout their lives. This often leads men and women to bring friends or family to their initial consultation with a divorce lawyer.
The idea is that their friend or family member can help them find the right lawyer. In other words, they may believe that a family member can give them a second opinion on the lawyer. They may also hope to provide the lawyer with facts or information to help the lawyer analyze the case. Further, some may just want the moral support of someone being with them, because seeing a lawyer can be stressful.
The Potential Risks
While friends and family often mean well in such situations, some issues need to be considered. First of all, it could be argued that bringing someone into the consultation waives the attorney-client privilege. Thus, anything the lawyer says could be divulged to their soon-to-be ex-spouse, including important details and legal strategy.
Another potential issue is that friends’ or family’s allegiances during a divorce can change, allowing them to weaponize any information you’ve trusted them with to help your spouse turn the tables. Most do not contemplate this possibility, but a friend today may not be a friend tomorrow as a case progresses.
Making an Education Decision
Once someone understands the risks, they may still decide they’d prefer to have a friend or loved one in the room for their initial consultation. However, as a general rule, going into the lawyer’s room alone is much safer from a legal standpoint.
If you are interested in setting an initial consultation with a divorce lawyer, you can contact Stange Law Firm, PC online or at 855-805-0595.
