Can One Attorney or Mediator Represent Both Spouses?

Unfortunately, an attorney or mediator cannot represent both spouses in a divorce or dissolution case.

The Supreme Court does not allow either an attorney or mediator to represent you both. However, that does not mean you both need to retain an attorney.

If you and your spouse have agreed on all the terms for your divorce or dissolution, and would like to keep things amicable, you have two options. One is for me to represent one of you and prepare the paperwork. I will then send the paperwork to your spouse on your behalf, or you may present the paperwork to your spouse yourself. Your spouse can sign the paperwork if they are in agreement, or your spouse can ask an attorney to review the paperwork. Once all the documents are executed, I will file all the dissolution paperwork with the court.

The other option is for you and your spouse to meet with me for mediation. As a mediator, I do not represent either one of you, I am neutral. My goal is to help both of you achieve agreements you are each satisfied with.

As a mediator, I will work with you both to make sure no details are overlooked, and prepare the separation agreement, shared parenting plan, and child support worksheet for you. Mediators are unable to prepare the forms that are necessary for filing with the court, but many of them are basic forms. They ask for things such as your address, birthday, where you have lived for the past five years, and cost of health insurance. Even when I represent clients as an attorney, I still ask them to prepare the forms because they are the only ones with the information. Sometimes my clients will have a few questions about the forms, but most people are able to complete them on their own. 

Please contact me if you would like more information on representation or mediation. I can also answer some of your more basic questions, such as:

How to get a divorc?

How much does a divorce or dissolution cost?

How long does it take to get a divorce?