Texas Divorce Tips
One divorce attorney's reactions to family law issues.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
You Don't Want to Know
Yesterday I was speaking with someone, and he said he had had a "close call." I asked him what happened, and he said, "You don't want to know."
Now, when I was younger I would probably have let my curiosity get the better of me, and I'd hound him until I got a better idea of what was going on.
But as I've gotten older and wiser (and more experienced as an attorney), I've learned that when people tell me "you don't want to know," they're probably right. Knowing would burden me with ethical concerns, and perhaps the obligation to say or do something.
Similarly, there is a couple I've known for several years who have filed for divorce. Neither one of them has consulted with me or hired me, so my interest is purely personal. I'm dying to learn why they're divorcing. But when I look at my motives, I don't need to know the reason for the breakup in order to be a good friend to either of them. I'm afraid my curiosity is really rooted in a desire for gossip -- and that's a place I don't need to go.
Now, when I was younger I would probably have let my curiosity get the better of me, and I'd hound him until I got a better idea of what was going on.
But as I've gotten older and wiser (and more experienced as an attorney), I've learned that when people tell me "you don't want to know," they're probably right. Knowing would burden me with ethical concerns, and perhaps the obligation to say or do something.
Similarly, there is a couple I've known for several years who have filed for divorce. Neither one of them has consulted with me or hired me, so my interest is purely personal. I'm dying to learn why they're divorcing. But when I look at my motives, I don't need to know the reason for the breakup in order to be a good friend to either of them. I'm afraid my curiosity is really rooted in a desire for gossip -- and that's a place I don't need to go.
posted by Hal Davis | 10:19 AM
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