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The Massachusetts Bar Association recently endorsed a set of “Civility Guidelines for Family Law Attorneys”. It is amazing to us that in 2017 this project should have been necessary, but we have no doubt of it; and the ten points are both simple and profound.

Moreover, these tenets don’t just apply to the courtroom. They are equally applicable to the arbitration or mediation room, the four-way meeting, attorney correspondence, and the ongoing processing of every case, including negotiation. In truncated form the ten commandments of civility are:

• Dress appropriately.
• Be on time and prepared.
• Treat people with courtesy and respect.
• Wait your turn – don’t interrupt or shout.
• Be honest – in verbal and written word.
• Follow the rules (about notice and service)
• Respond timely.
• Focus on the facts in issue.
• Negotiate in good faith after full disclosure.
• Do not use court in a revengeful manner.

Sometimes the truest things shouldn’t have to be said – be bear reminder nonetheless.
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