Attorneys' Perceptions of Their Role in Divorce

The traditional advocate role of the attorney in divorce has come under attack because the rational-logical emphasis of the legal system has not provided an ideal atmosphere for the resolution of conflict and, in fact, may serve as a catalyst to increased hostilities. This paper examines the attorney role in terms of the traditional advocate versus the nontraditional counselor (since the advent of no-fault statutes in Georgia) in a sample of 22 attorneys with experience in divorce practice. The sample was drawn from the Atlanta metropolitan area and smaller metropolitan units within Georgia. The data suggest perceived interdependence between the judicial system (attorneys and the court) and emotional support systems (e.g., family counseling) as a means of facilitating postdivorce adjustment.