Law firm L/R/P advokáti, s.r.o. started a new era of legal aid in Slovakia within family law proceedings. As part of the law firm's services, clients can use consultations with clinical psychologist Judita Malík, who provides advice, for example, during the divorce process and proceedings concerning minor children. It is a unique collaboration between two experts, a lawyer and a psychologist, whose goal is to offer clients comprehensive help in difficult life situations.

"Family law proceedings are accompanied by strong emotions, especially when decisions are made about children. Under the influence of the emotions of divorcing couples or parents whose parental rights and obligations are regulated by the court, rational solutions are sometimes more difficult to find. A psychologist can be very helpful in stabilizing the family situation. We believe that through this cooperation we are bringing a new dimension to helping clients," says family law expert and author of the idea Martina Lysinová from L/R/P advokati.

The law firm L/R/P advokáti cooperates with experts from various fields. Family law is specific to emotional aspects and always requires an individual approach, as its factual basis is dynamic interpersonal relationships.

"We focus on comprehensive consulting. When a client approaches us, they don't just get a lawyer's isolated view of the problem. The involvement of a psychologist in family law makes it possible to solve the situation from an emotional and psychological point of view, which is crucial especially in the interests of the children. The relationships that are dealt with in family law are not static, they develop and change. They have a fundamental influence not only on the outcome of the dispute, but especially on the future life of the clients. Cooperation with Mrs. Malík, who is professionally qualified to answer many additional questions of clients, helps the whole process significantly," explains Martina Lysinová.

The legal representative helps the client protect his rights, navigate through the complex legal process and achieve a fair solution in accordance with the law, on the other hand, the help of the psychologist is focused on the very emotional experience of the parent and children, as well as their stabilization.

"The advice I provide is focused on understanding and practical tips that take into account the client's specific situation. I must clarify that my role is not to provide individual psychotherapy, which I can recommend as needed. As the process of divorce and adjustment of rights and obligations towards minor children is a certain psychological burden for adults as well as for children, the offered psychological interventions can be a strengthening factor," states clinical psychologist Judita Malík.

Since the behavior of the parties to the conflict in the family is often motivated by selfish intentions during ongoing court cases, the situation is all the more complicated when manipulation on the part of the parent appears. These are situations where one parent intentionally manipulates a child in order to damage the relationship with the other parent, resorting to emotional blackmail, preventing contact, false accusations or discrediting the other parent. Such behavior of one of the parents can influence the decision of the court, and therefore it is necessary to effectively defend against manipulative tactics.

"Manipulation of a child by one of the parents is one of the most complicated situations that arise in disputes concerning minors. In order for us to be successful in such situations and for the client to leave satisfied after the end of the dispute, in addition to the help of a lawyer, the help of a psychologist is also desirable. By combining high-quality legal work and psychological counseling, it is possible to achieve more significant success. Only the right reaction of the client works for the insidious behavior of the other parent, with which we can help him together," adds M. Lysinová.

Read more: Combining law and psychology for success in family law