Navigating a divorce is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged journey. When considering divorce proceedings, it’s natural to seek information and guidance.
However, when making initial inquiries with lawyers, a crucial piece of advice often gets overlooked: “contact them directly, and avoid having a third party do it on your behalf.”
While it might seem convenient or less intimidating to have a friend, family member, or even a well-meaning acquaintance make those first calls, it can hinder your progress and potentially complicate your situation. Here’s why direct contact is always the best approach:
Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege
This is paramount. When you directly communicate with a lawyer, even for an initial consultation, you’re initiating a relationship that can potentially be protected by attorney-client privilege. This means what you discuss is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your permission.
If a third party makes inquiries on your behalf, this privilege might not yet be established, or the information shared could be seen as less protected. You need to be able to speak openly and honestly about your situation, and that requires a direct, confidential line of communication.
Accuracy of Information
Divorce proceedings are complex and highly specific to individual circumstances. A third party, no matter how well-intentioned, may not fully grasp the nuances of your situation or be able to articulate your concerns as accurately as you can.
Lawyers need precise details to provide relevant advice and estimate potential costs. Misinformation or incomplete information relayed through a third party can lead to inaccurate advice, wasted time, and frustration.
Personal Connection and Trust
Choosing a divorce lawyer is a significant decision. You need to feel comfortable with the person who will be representing you during such a sensitive time. Direct contact allows you to assess their communication style, their empathy, and whether you feel a personal connection with them. This initial interaction is crucial for building the trust that is essential for a successful attorney-client relationship. A third party cannot gauge this chemistry for you.
Direct Answers to Your Specific Questions
You likely have very specific questions about your unique situation – questions about child custody, asset division, spousal support, or the timeline of the process. A divorce lawyer can provide tailored answers when you pose these questions directly. A third party might not know what to ask, forget key details, or be unable to articulate your concerns effectively, leading to generalised or unhelpful responses.
Demonstrating Seriousness and Proactivity
When you directly reach out, you demonstrate your seriousness and proactivity in addressing your legal needs. This sets a professional tone from the outset. Lawyers understand the sensitive nature of divorce inquiries and are prepared to handle them with discretion and professionalism.
Avoiding Misunderstandings and Delays
Every layer of communication adds a risk of misunderstanding or delay. Information can be misinterpreted, forgotten, or not conveyed when a third party acts as an intermediary. This can lead to unnecessary back-and-forth, prolonging the time to get the information you need and potentially delaying the start of your proceeding.
Take the First Step—Reach Out Directly
Starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming, but making direct contact with a lawyer is one of the most critical decisions. It protects your privacy, ensures you get accurate information tailored to your situation, and helps lay the foundation for a relationship built on trust and understanding.
At Gloria James-Civetta & Co., we take the time to understand each client’s unique situation. Our team draws on extensive family law experience to offer focused, practical consultations tailored to your specific needs. From the outset, we aim to provide clarity and reassurance as you navigate your next steps.
Ready to speak with someone who understands? Contact our team for a confidential consultation and take control of your next steps with clarity and confidence.
We’re here for you
Our lawyers at GJC Law offer a free 20-minute consultation to explain the divorce process and determine whether you qualify for divorce in Singapore.
Our goal is to help you find a resolution that works for you.
