“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.
Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this. . .”
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s Notes for a Law Lecture
Abraham Lincoln possessed many admirable qualities. The one I speak to here is his ability to communicate truth. The problem in divorce litigation is that persons facing the event of divorce can be so compromised emotionally that conflict can appeal to them on a visceral level. The truth is that a divorce can be a very expensive experience and it behooves a litigant to seek an efficient solution. The legal arena is not a place to vent emotionally. This leads to gross inefficiencies and a waste of financial resources.
Lincoln addressed the words referred to above to law students. If falls upon the lawyer to confront the client’s emotions and give the client appropriate expectations.
As a divorce lawyer in Clearwater, Florida, it is my intention to speak truth to all of the appropriate persons involved in a divorce; this includes the client, opposing counsel, and, if necessary, the Judge.
by Patrick Gaffney
