Can One Lawyer Represent Both Spouses In Order to Save Money?
One lawyer can never really represent both parties in a divorce or paternity action, but it is not always necessary to have two lawyers. In simple matters, one of the parties can appear “pro se,” that is, representing him- or herself. One lawyer draws all the necessary documents without the need of a second lawyer. A word of caution: if financial support, custody or property division is involved, the self-represented party should at least consult with a lawyer and get input before signing any agreement. Misunderstandings about tax implications, merger and survival language, or other complicated issues could later result in unforeseen issues.
