Michael H. Gazin, a family lawyer in Newport Beach, answers:
No. A divorce lawyer can only represent and advocate for one of the parties. It would be a conflict of interest for one attorney to represent both parties in a marital dissolution action. However, one attorney can act as a mediator for both parties. In the mediator capacity, the attorney is not the advocate for either party, but serves in a neutral capacity to help guide the parties to a resolution of the issues in their case.
Michael H. Gazin brings highly skilled problem-solving, compassion and zeal to the successful resolution of each client’s legal family law matter. He can be reached at 949-644-4007. Visit their firm profile and website.
Michael, I’ve always assumed that an attorney couldn’t represent both parties going through a divorce, now I know for sure. It seems like it would be a huge conflict of interest if one lawyer was working with both people. I’m curious to know if the divorce was amicable, could one person represent both parties if it goes to arbitration.