Dealing With Divorce Cases

What should you do when a divorced family wants you to split the financial arrangements independently between the two parties? This is a question that I get asked frequently by TCs, including those at two different practices this past week. What follows is my opinion.

As a TC, the first thing to remember is to NEVER agree to “run interference” between the parties, as in “you will need to contact him/her yourself,  as we are not on speaking terms”. This is a golden  invitation to you to become intimately involved in their daily drama, and you must decline the invitation. (If you ever agree to do this, I assure you, you will only do it one time).

The second thing to remember is that your practice is being asked here to adjust your  normal business procedures around the fact that these two people cannot be mature adults when it comes to making joint decisions that (usually) involve their children.

That is a poor business reason for you to split fees, too.

So, what is the best way to politely say no?

Cite policy, which is always the best way to deliver unwelcome news.

“I understand your situation completely, but our office policy in these situations is that we will need for the two of you to determine which party will be financially responsible, and that person signs the agreement. Unfortunately, we cannot deviate from this.”

If they become argumentative and/or uncooperative with your office policy, empathize again and say, “I do understand, but if splitting the responsibility is a requirement for you, then we may not be the right fit for your situation. There are probably other practices who will do that; you might want to shop around.”

That’s right – politely suggest that they look elsewhere.

Why? Because your business  model entails your having a steady two-year relationship with your patients. What does it tell you about the two years you are likely to experience here,  when your visitor will not cooperate or communicate with their ex when it comes to paying for treatment – and then becomes belligerent with you when they don’t get their way?

I rest my case.