3 Things Family Lawyers Can Learn From "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult

A well-written novel is like a mirror of truth, giving insights into the world we live in and the problems that we face every day. For family practice lawyers, one piece of fiction stands out against the rows of fiction on the shelves: Jodi Picoult's House Rules. Analyzing this novel can help family practice lawyers consider some of the nuances and ethical implications of family law. Here are just three lessons family lawyers can learn from this piece of fiction.

Don't Assume Knowledge

House Rules centers around a criminal law case in which a teenager with autism is on trial for murder. The teenager, Jacob, is obsessed with forensic analysis, but he struggles with the nuances of language and the implications behind some of the things that he says. Reading House Rules is a great reminder for family practice lawyers that just because your clients seem to understand what's happening doesn't mean that every aspect of the proceedings is sinking in. It's important to slow down and explain proceedings from beginning to end for your clients so that they can be both comfortable and informed.

Do Research on Special Needs

Some of the issues that cropped up in House Rules could have been avoided if the lawyer hired to defend Jacob understood his special needs. When you're dealing with a client with special needs, it's important to take the time to learn how to best accommodate them. This may mean speaking to them at a certain time of day when they are in the best position to understand you or providing them with breaks as necessary. Educate yourself and speak to anyone who normally helps your client so that you can get a feel for what will work for them.

Family Dynamics Matter

House Rules centers not just on Jacob but also on his mother and brother. As the novel continues, it becomes increasingly clear that the complex dynamics of his particular family play into the court case. As a family lawyer, it's your job to understand where your clients are coming from. This means slowing down and taking the time to learn about your client's family dynamics so that you can be in a good place to help them.

House Rules takes an interesting look at the justice system and especially at how it treats those with special needs. As a family practice lawyer, you can't fix everything that's wrong with the justice system. However, you can do your best to practice ethically and accommodate your clients to ensure they get a fair trial. For more information on how we offer clear communication when your clients call in, contact our office today.