Protecting your medical practice in a divorce

According to research, the physician divorce rate is significantly lower than that of other careers, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the stresses of divorce. While physicians are maintaining their practice and tending to patients, they are also faced with important decisions pertaining to their business and the ending of a marriage. Here are some crucial factors for Texas physicians to consider if they have decided to divorce their spouses.

Find a lawyer who is a good fit

It’s important not to rush when searching for an attorney. Physicians should check the credentials of each of the lawyers they are considering. While it is possible to find several lawyers who are qualified to facilitate the divorce, it’s best to find the attorney who is the best fit. Physicians should feel comfortable speaking with the lawyer and maintain a mutual level of respect that will make the proceedings more expedient.

Let the lawyer be the leader

Keep in mind that anything one spouse promises to the other is a “floor,” or lowest possible offer, which means the opposing counsel will fight for more in court. Once the divorce litigation begins, the spouses should refrain from speaking with each other about matters pertaining to the divorce such as child custody or asset/property distribution. Instead, the lawyers handling the divorce facilitate all negotiations. Spouses should let their attorneys call the huddle once an agreement has been reached on financial and custody goals, unless a plan of disclosure and discussion was previously established.

A qualified family law attorney can walk you through each phase of the divorce to make the process efficient and help you keep your medical practice intact.