Can I talk to my spouse’s lawyer if mine is out of town?

Peter Paras, a family lawyer in Red Bank, answers:

No. The rules of professional conduct do not permit lawyers to speak with adverse parties who are represented by counsel. Lawyers can, however, speak with adverse parties who are representing themselves. Therefore, you should wait until your lawyer returns, discuss your concerns with him/her, and ask him/her to contact your spouse’s attorney.

Peter Paras is a New Jersey divorce lawyer and name partner in the family law firm of Paras, Apy & Reiss, P.C. in Red Bank, NJ. He is also a past member of Divorce Magazine’s Advisory Board.