Opting for One Attorney to Save on Fees

Legal costs are often a top concern when a couple decides to separate or divorce. One option that some couples explore is working with a single West Palm Beach family attorney rather than retaining separate counsel. In the right circumstances, this approach can reduce expenses and streamline the process. However, it is not appropriate for every situation, and in some cases, it can jeopardize a person’s long-term financial health.

How Using One Attorney Can Reduce Costs

Using one attorney typically means the lawyer represents neither spouse individually but instead acts as a neutral professional who facilitates the divorce process. This model is most commonly seen in uncontested divorces or collaborative-style resolutions. Because there is only one set of legal fees, overall costs are often significantly lower than in a traditional adversarial divorce where each spouse has separate counsel.

A single attorney can help prepare and file required documents, explain Florida divorce procedures, and ensure that agreements comply with state law. When spouses are aligned on major issues, such as asset division, child-related matters, and support, this approach can minimize court appearances, reduce delays, and keep the focus on efficiency rather than conflict.

Working with one attorney can make sense when both parties are committed to transparency, cooperation, and fairness. This option is most appropriate in short-term marriages, cases with limited assets and debt, or situations where finances are straightforward and fully disclosed. It can also work well when both spouses have relatively equal bargaining power and similar levels of financial understanding.

In these circumstances, a neutral attorney can help the couple memorialize agreements, identify issues they may not have considered, and move the case forward without unnecessary expense. For many families, this approach preserves resources that can be better used to support post-divorce financial stability.

When Using One Attorney Can Be Risky

Despite the potential cost savings, using one attorney is not without risk. A single lawyer cannot advocate for both parties’ individual interests or provide strategic advice to either spouse. If there is a significant imbalance in income, access to information, or financial sophistication, one spouse may unknowingly agree to terms that are unfavorable in the long run.

This approach can be particularly harmful in cases involving complex assets, such as businesses, retirement accounts, real estate portfolios, or hidden income concerns. It is also problematic when there is high conflict, a history of coercion, or unresolved disagreements about support or property division. In these situations, saving money upfront can lead to costly consequences later.

For some couples, one attorney can be a practical and cost-effective solution. For others, independent legal representation is essential to protect long-term financial health. Speaking with a West Palm Beach family attorney early allows you to evaluate whether a shared-attorney approach is appropriate and ensures that any decision made today does not compromise your financial future tomorrow.

Is it possible for you to use one lawyer and meet your objectives? Talk through the details of your situation with the legal team at Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates. Then, a path toward your goals can be paved. Schedule a confidential consultation today.