What You Cannot Expect from Your Lawyer

The relationship with your lawyer carries with it certain responsibilities and duties which are defined by the law, by the professional code of ethics, and the contract you sign. As a result, there are things you can expect your lawyer to do. There are, also, things that you cannot expect of your lawyer: Following are four such things:*

Your lawyer will not handle matters that are beyond the scope of your agreement.

The lawyer you have hired to represent you in your divorce will not usually represent you in other matters unrelated to your divorce, unless the two of you specifically agree otherwise. For example, if you need legal assistance in selling your home, preparing your will, or defending against a civil lawsuit, it will be necessary to make specific arrangements with your lawyer, or to hire another lawyer, possibly in the same firm, with the appropriate specialization or expertise.

Your lawyer cannot guarantee results.

The eventual outcome of your divorce depends on the facts, the law, how the judge views your case, and other factors. Every case is different. Although your lawyer may express an opinion on possible or probable outcomes, nobody can be sure of the result until it happens.

Your lawyer cannot do anything unethical or illegal.

Lawyers work under very strict legal and ethical codes and take them very seriously. If you ask your lawyer to do anything unethical or illegal, your lawyer will refuse. If you insist, your lawyer will withdraw from your case. Examples of forbidden conduct are: encouraging or permitting perjury, hiding assets or income, and in any manner deceiving the court or the other side.

Your lawyer may be reluctant to act against the best interests of your children.

A lawyer's first duty is to look out for the client's best interest. Yet divorce lawyers are also concerned about the welfare of the children and some ethical guidelines encourage lawyers to keep the children's interest in mind.