Why Did a Divorce Lawyer Want to Be a Divorce Coach?

• Publication year: 2024
• Citation: Vol. 47 No. 5 Pg. 20
• Pages: 20

Why Did a Divorce Lawyer Want to be a Divorce Coach?No. Vol. 47 No. 5 Pg. 20Wyoming Bar JournalOctober, 2024

by Rennie P. Phillips

What is a Divorce Coach?

The American Bar Association recognizes divorce coaching as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and defines it as "a flexible, goal-oriented process designed to support, motivate, and guide people going through divorce to help them make the best possible decisions for their future based on their particular interests, needs, and concerns." Although divorce coaching is recognized by the ABA, a coach does not have to be a lawyer. Therefore, divorce coaches do not give legal advice.

In general, divorce coaches help clients manage their emotions while guiding them through the legal process in a manner that aligns with the client's goals and values. Coaching sessions are forward-focused and driven by the client.

Divorce coaching is not counseling. A coach can validate the client's experiences that led to their current situation, but they do not dwell on it. Ideally the clients identify their values, what is important to them, and what goals they have for the legal process and their life afterwards. The coach will ask tough questions and do some reality testing if the client's goals are not reasonable or don't align with their expressed...