We're Getting A Divorce In Pasco County And My Spouse Wants Me To Use Their Attorney - Is That A Good Idea

No, you should absolutely not agree to that, and no ethical attorney would agree to represent both spouses. In most cases in which this occurs, the attorney is actually representing your spouse, but you mistakenly believe that the attorney is representing the interests of both of you.

Legal ethics rules, not only in Pasco County, but the state of Florida, require attorneys to zealously represent the interests of their clients, and an attorney cannot represent two parties with opposing interests.

If your spouse has hired an attorney, you need to hire an attorney as quickly as possible. If you fail to do so, you are an amateur and you are attempting to fight professionals. If you are not going to hire an attorney, it is probably because of financial reasons. Many people who have gotten a divorce and did not hire an attorney end up paying much, much more money in the divorce than they would have had they hired an attorney and paid the attorneys’ fees.

Attorneys know your rights regarding child custody, child support, alimony, and property division, and will fight for your rights. If you end up owing a large amount of child support or alimony because you didn’t know how to fight your spouse’s claims in court, you may spend far more money later trying to get that modified.

There may be a lot of reasons your spouse is trying to convince you to use his or her attorney. Your spouse may be worried that he or she will be responsible for paying part of your attorney’s fees. Your spouse may be trying to hide something, and may be worried you will find out if you hire an attorney. Your spouse probably knows that you will be more likely to get more favorable property settlement, alimony, and child support rulings if an attorney is involved.