http://divorcediscourse.com/2011/10/27/mom-consultation/
I happen to agree with most of the article, especially the premise that a third person in the room can be helpful. I find that particularly when a client is very young, having a third party is helpful for remembering dates and the nuances of the process, I just make very clear that the third party is not my client and during particular phases of the interview, I will ask them to leave the room. I also promise the third person that I will keep them updated with the progress of the case but not as to the substance of the conversations between myself and the client.
More challenging I find is the situation when someone brings in their children for an initial consultation. It is often suggested by other attorneys not to allow children in meetings, although I find it difficult to enforce such a policy since getting a babysitter can be so difficult for so many clients. Often times the child’s presence can be distracting and you are unable to ask the difficult questions. So if at all possible, I advise clients to leave their child at home or we will re-visit the difficult questions at a later point in time.
The moral of the story is, you can bring a friend, but leave your child at home.
