A recent trend in Family Law is known as a Single Attorney Solution. This type of solution operates on the premise that even though they disagree, the parties to the legal action wish to work together to reach an outcome that is fair, reasonable, and agreeable to everyone.
The Law Office of Keith A. Singer has worked successfully and ethically with many clients in the capacity of a Single Attorney.
Rules of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
It is important to note that when The Law Office of Keith A. Singer works as a Single Attorney Solution, we are bound by the Rules of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. These rules prohibit us from simultaneously representing both parties in a legal matter. This means that The Law Office of Keith A. Singer may only represent one of the parties. The other party, while involved in all steps of the process, must technically represent themselves. The unrepresented party is not required to retain independent counsel, but is encouraged to do so.
When acting as the single attorney in a family law case, The Law Office of Keith A. Singer usually begins by negotiating a preliminary settlement agreement. This agreement, when signed by both parties, indicates their willingness to settle on basic mutually agreeable terms. It also confirms their wish to resolve the case in an uncontested manner.
What We Do
Our next steps are to prepare the initial pleading package on behalf of our client, file the documents with the court, and pay the initial filing fees. Next, we send a copy of the documents by US mail, along with an Acknowledgment of Service, to the other party. In order to avoid the expense and hassle of a process server, that party is invited, at their reasonable convenience, to sign for the initial court pleadings at our office or at the notary office of their choosing.
Because the parties in Single Attorney Solution cases often intend to settle and have already contemplated their settlement to varying degrees, these cases often move from service directly to preparation of a final Consent Decree of Dissolution of Marriage or other final judgment or orders as are appropriate for that case.
Proposed final documents are then sent to the parties for review, negotiations are finalized, and the paperwork adjusted accordingly. Once satisfied with the terms of the agreement, the parties sign their consent to the final documents at our office or in front of another notary, and we submit the documents to the court for signature by the Judge, along with the necessary copies and filing fees.
A Single Attorney Solution is a streamlined approach that allows the case to be efficiently managed by an experienced family law attorney and offers the least amount of conflict, expense, delay, or stress.
If you are interested in learning more about how a Single Attorney Solution can help you in your family law matter or if you have other questions or concerns, please Contact The Law Office of Keith A. Singer or call 520.795.1800.
