You might not expect a divorce lawyer to say this—but sometimes, it’s the lawyers who make things worse.
Divorce and family law cases are already emotional, stressful, and deeply personal. Clients come to lawyers looking for solutions and peace of mind, not more conflict. Yet too often, we see attorneys who fan the flames instead of helping put them out.
Some refuse to discuss settlement, even when their clients are ready to move on. Others push for endless litigation, driven by ego, pride, or profit. The result? Families—especially children—remain trapped in conflict that could have been resolved with honesty, compassion, and professionalism.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve spent more than 40 years helping Florida families navigate divorce with integrity. We believe in guiding, not inflaming; advocating, not obstructing. Family law should be a process of healing—not harm.
When Lawyers Become the Problem
We’ve met many clients who say, “It wasn’t my ex who refused to settle. It was their lawyer.” Sadly, we know this happens more often than it should.
Some attorneys forget that their job is to serve their client’s interests—not their own. They may feed fear or mistrust, saying things like “I can get you a better deal” or treating compromise as weakness. They become so focused on “winning” that they lose sight of what their clients truly need: peace, closure, and a stable future.
When that happens, lawyers stop being advocates and start being obstacles. And in family law, where emotions are already high, that can cause lasting harm.
What Florida’s Rules Say
Florida’s Rules of Professional Conduct make it clear: lawyers have an ethical duty to put their clients first. When attorneys let ego or financial interest take the wheel, they may be crossing serious lines, including:
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Rule 4-1.2(a): The client—not the lawyer—decides whether to settle.
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Rule 4-1.4: Lawyers must share every settlement offer and explain it honestly.
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Rule 4-1.7(a)(2): An attorney’s personal or financial interests can never outweigh the client’s best interests.
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Rule 4-3.2: Lawyers must make reasonable efforts to move a case forward when it serves the client.
These aren’t just technicalities. Every delay, unnecessary hearing, or avoidable motion keeps families stuck in conflict, drains financial resources, and deepens emotional wounds—especially for children.
What True Advocacy Looks Like
Being a zealous advocate doesn’t mean being combative. True advocacy is about wisdom, ethics, and compassion. It means helping clients make informed choices, guiding them toward fair resolutions, and protecting their legal and emotional well-being.
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we believe that integrity and empathy lead to better outcomes—for our clients and their families. Our mission is simple: to help you move forward with dignity, understanding, and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to resolve your case with honesty and respect, we’re here to help you do just that.
Call our office 24/7 @305-653-5555 Text us @305-653-1515 Email us at [email protected]
or complete the form on this page & one of our experienced family law attorneys will contact you
