Can I Use One Attorney for an Uncontested Divorce in Los Angeles?
Short answer: technically yes, but in practice most attorneys will not represent both spouses in a divorce. When a divorce is truly amicable and straightforward, the idea of a single attorney handling paperwork and filing can sound efficient and cost effective. The reality, though, is that ethical rules and the need for independent advice usually steer people toward other options.
While you technically could use one attorney for an amicable divorce for both parties, generally most attorneys will not want to work with both parties because they usually are representing one not both and so they probably refer you to a service like mine.
Why most attorneys avoid representing both spouses
The main reason is conflict of interest. An attorney’s duty is to advocate for a client’s best interests. When one lawyer represents two people with potentially competing legal rights, it becomes difficult to provide zealous, independent representation to either party. Ethical guidelines in family law make dual representation risky unless the situation is extremely simple and both parties give informed, written consent.
Even in amicable cases, emotions or financial details can surface later. If a dispute arises after signing an agreement, questions about whether each party had fair and independent advice can undermine the agreement or create liability for the attorney.
When a single-attorney approach might work
- Truly uncontested matter: Both spouses agree on every major point: property division, debts, spousal support, and child-related issues if children are not involved.
- Minimal assets and debts: No businesses, pensions, or complex investments that require valuation and negotiation.
- No child custody issues: Custody and child support create additional legal duties where independent advocacy is usually necessary.
- Equal bargaining power: Neither spouse feels pressured, coerced, or disadvantaged by the other.
- Full and honest disclosure: Both parties are transparent about finances and circumstances.
When one attorney is not a good idea
- Child custody or visitation disputes because the court’s focus on the best interests of the child often requires separate representation or at least independent advice.
- Significant assets or business interests that require valuation or complex division.
- Potential spousal support where negotiating future financial obligations benefits from dedicated counsel.
- Power imbalances or past abuse where one party may be vulnerable to pressure.
- Unclear financial disclosure or suspicion that one party is hiding assets.
Alternatives to using one attorney
There are several practical, ethical ways to handle an amicable divorce without putting both parties under one lawyer’s representation.
- Mediation: A neutral mediator helps couples reach agreement and can prepare a settlement that each party then has reviewed by independent counsel.
- Collaborative divorce: Each spouse has their own attorney, but everyone agrees to resolve matters cooperatively without going to court.
- Limited-scope representation: One or both spouses hire attorneys for specific tasks only, such as document review or filing.
- Neutral attorney for paperwork: A neutral professional prepares forms and agreements but does not provide advocacy for either spouse. Independent legal advice is recommended.
- Flat-fee uncontested divorce services: Many attorneys and firms offer affordable, package-style services to handle filing and paperwork for uncomplicated cases.
Practical steps if you are considering a single-attorney route
- Ask the attorney about their policy on representing both parties. Some will not do it at all; others will only in very narrow circumstances and with written consent.
- Get everything in writing, including any conflict waivers, scope of representation, and confirmation that each party understands their rights.
- Insist on full financial disclosure from both sides before signing any agreement.
- Consider independent legal review where each spouse consults a separate lawyer to review the settlement before signing.
- Choose an alternative process like mediation or limited-scope representation if there are any doubts about fairness or completeness.
Final takeaway
Using one attorney for an amicable, uncontested divorce is possible in very limited situations, but it is not common. Most family law attorneys will either decline to represent both parties or will recommend mediation or a neutral service to avoid conflicts of interest. Prioritize transparency, fairness, and independent advice to protect both parties and to create a durable, enforceable agreement.
