What must a lawyer sign before filing a Notice of Family Claim or Counterclaim?

Before filing a Notice of Family Claim or Counterclaim, a lawyer is required to sign a declaration stating they discussed reconciliation and negotiation with the client. This is a crucial part of the legal process in family law, as the court encourages parties to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as reconciliation or negotiation, before proceeding with litigation.

This requirement reflects a broader principle in family law that aims to minimize conflict and promote resolutions that are less adversarial. By demonstrating that discussions regarding reconciliation or negotiation have taken place, the lawyer not only fulfills a procedural obligation but also supports the goal of encouraging amicable resolutions between parties. This procedural step helps ensure that the client has considered all possible avenues before embarking on potentially contentious court proceedings.

Other options, while they may address relevant topics pertaining to the lawyer's ethical obligations and the client's financial situation, do not specifically align with the requirement of demonstrating that conversations about reconciliation and negotiation have occurred. Thus, option B appropriately captures the essence of what must be signed by the lawyer prior to filing such claims.