In situations where both parties want to end their marriage and agree to the settlement terms, the parties often wonder whether they can hire one lawyer to handle the case. This request is usually made to help keep down the legal costs.

The rules of ethics for Michigan attorneys, however, do not permit lawyers to represent both parties in a divorce. 

Michigan Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 says a lawyer “shall not” represent a client if the representation of that client will be...