In many cases, spouses continue to be communicative and have a rough idea of how they would like to split their property, debts, and time with their children.  One spouse may simply need an attorney to shepherd the divorce through the court process as an "uncontested" divorce.  Or both spouses may wish to avoid the substantial cost of having two attorneys hash out every detail of the separation by hiring one mediator.

In these "uncontested" cases, I always encourage the continued cooperation and communication between spouses.  I can be available as an advocate with frank advice for one spouse's benefit.  Or I can act as a mediator between spouses when they are mostly in agreement, but just need a lawyer to solidify all necessary details of their agreement and guide them through the legal process.  

Believe it or not, one of the most satisfying aspects of my law practice is when I assist a client in amicably obtaining a divorce, without substantial cost and with a minimum of emotional trauma.   When spouses part as friends, or at least not as enemies, I consider the result a success.

Of course, it is often impossible to avoid a contested divorce, especially in a child custody battle (which I do not handle).  In these cases, you should seek a family law attorney that specializes in family law.