It’s Time for a Holistic Approach to Family Law

Family Lawyers need to have some of the skills of a social worker, coach or therapist in order to be able to effectively assist clients. While outside referrals to these professionals may always be necessary, I am fortunate in my practice to be able to offer some of these skills and services to clients without them having to go somewhere else to receive them. 

The biggest complaints that I constantly hear from those going through divorce or separation are that their lawyers were not in tune with their needs, cost too much and had little compassion. Given the pervasiveness of these complaints, the legal profession should be examining how to better meet the needs of these clients.

When we have a holistic approach to so many other areas of service these days, why has the legal profession been so slow to incorporate a holistic approach to law?

I think it is long overdue, that family lawyers approach clients from a holistic perspective and that is exactly what I intend to do with my expanded services.

Divorce rates have skyrocketed and if you haven?t been through one yourself, you most definitely know others who have. Although the experience of divorce is not uncommon, it is considered to be one of life?s most stressful events, often ranking only below death of a spouse in terms of the stress and overwhelming emotions felt by someone going through it. Family Lawyers are frequently the first point of contact for those who find themselves in this situation because they have no choice but to get a lawyer to help them navigate through what is often foreign territory, ??a foreign territory with far reaching implications that affects where they live, when they see their children and their financial security. Everything important in someone?s life is at stake. Those in this situation are understandably overwhelmed, bewildered and extremely stressed, and they have to make important decisions.  People in this situation need someone who is compassionate, and understanding, and who has the skills to help them move forward, making far reaching decisions while in a state of complete shock. Lawyers need to provide effective and competent legal representation, but they also need to provide emotional support and compassion. This is why a holistic approach is long overdue.

Family Lawyers need to have some of the skills of a social worker, coach or therapist in order to be able to effectively assist clients. While outside referrals to these professionals may always be necessary, I am fortunate in my practice to be able to offer some of these skills and services to clients without them having to go somewhere else to receive them. This means that clients can reduce their costs and benefit from a lawyer who sees the big picture, and has the skills and training to assist them in a much-needed holistic fashion.

My holistic approach places a primary focus on a client?s unique life situation and allows us to develop an optimal legal strategy having ensured there is proper support in all areas of a client?s life.

This multi-faceted approach also provides cost savings to the client who can now receive various supports from the same professional without having to constantly retell the details of their situation to additional people at their own expense.

If you are going through separation or divorce, or know someone who is, and you think a holistic approach would be helpful, let?s have a conversation.

Leanne Townsend Lawyer and Divorce Coach
Leanne Townsend is a multifaceted entrepreneur and attorney experienced in the areas of family law and domestic violence. She provides a full range of family law legal services in addition to running workshops and other programs to support people as they go through divorce.

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