Think Twice Before Bringing Someone Along to Meet Your Lawyer
The concept of lawyer-client confidentiality is the pinnacle of our legal system. Without confidentiality, clients would be unable to speak freely and truthfully with their lawyer and obtain competent guidance on their legal options. For those considering divorce, it may be tempting to bring along your friend or family member to an initial consultation when you are selecting an attorney.
Divorce is a difficult decision. You may feel unsure when initiating the divorce process or even fearful, especially if there has been any physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse in the marriage. However, if you want emotional or moral support as you seek out an attorney in your divorce, go ahead and bring that person to the consultation, but have them wait outside while you discuss the details of your marriage with your attorney.
Risks of Bringing a Third Party Into an Attorney ConsultationA key reason to have your friend or family member stay outside the door as you consult with your attorney is that of confidentiality. The lawyer-client privilege of confidentiality is held by the client, thus it is the client who makes the decision to break it. This privilege is broken when confidential discussions with an attorney takes place in the presence of others, for instance, in a public setting, or by bringing another person along with discussions with your lawyer.
Furthermore, during divorce allegiances often shift in unexpected and painful ways. Friends and family members may shift loyalties and leak information that can be used against you. This risk is particularly acute when that person is an insider to your legal strategy in the divorce. You need a friend to vent to during the divorce process: someone to listen to your sorrow, rage, pain, and joys. Do not deny yourself of that essential need, but protect yourself, and your divorce by discussing matters with your attorney in private and protecting your confidentiality.
Our Satisfied Clients Say
★★★★★
"Cheri Bell has represented me on and off for 15 years, through a divorce and child custody agreement, I have always been very impressed with her high level of integrity. She and her staff have always been very accessible, even when I moved out of the country. Her attention to details, and undeniable commitment to straightforwardness and honesty, have had a very positive effect on our court hearings, and provided time and again the desired." V.C.
★★★★★
"I HIGHLY recommend Natalie Daprile. She is VERY knowledgable of Family Law and VERY ethical, efficient, personable, professional and dedicated to her practice. She is a certified family law specialist which takes years and a lot of hard work to achieve and you can see that talent when she represents you. She helped me get the child support that I needed. She is excellent with support and tax issues and will make sure you and your family get what is fairly due to you." Lisa M.
★★★★★
"Thank you so much, Yselle Dominguez, for helping our family. Throughout the process you were sympathetic and compassionate to our needs. We felt very comfortable and confident. You are very responsive and thorough, and helped us understand the process every step of the way. We give our greatest gratitude and appreciation to you. We are so thankful for everything you were able to resolve for us. We will definitely recommend you to all our friends and family." N.P.
★★★★★
"Finding a great divorce attorney is very hard, and it took me a while to find one. I was fortunate to find Natalie and have her as my attorney, and after seeing her take my very difficult case to an extremely successful resolution, I have the highest recommendations for Natalie and Daprile-Bell Law Firm." Michael C.
★★★★★
"For my personal experience both with divorce and lawyers, I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Natalie Daprile was recommended to me by a friend of a friend. She is a straight forward, tell it like it is, honest lawyer (yes, I said HONEST) and she gets the job done" Barbara I.