Code of ethics

The purpose for which we follow this code of ethics is a higher standard of ethical conduct than that required by the Advocacy Act (zákon o advokácii) and the Rules of the Legal Profession (advokátsky poriadok).

The high standard of our professional approach comprises the following:

01A high level of responsibility towards the client

• we always uphold the best interests of the client / parent through the best interests of their child;
• we communicate with the client intensively and in depth about the problem that has arisen, from both a legal and a psychological perspective, with a referral to a specialist in psychology where appropriate;
• we offer clients support and understanding in difficult life situations and propose every possible way of reaching agreement at every stage of the dispute;
• we prepare agreements for clients beyond the scope required by law, with a view to their complete and trouble-free review by the court as to the facts and the law, and with a view to their practical performance;
• we proceed in a way that prevents potential future disputes from arising;
• we do not recommend that clients enter into an agreement they are not convinced is right, in order to avoid breaches of the agreement;
• we maintain strict confidentiality with regard to sensitive and intimate personal data and personal matters;
• we do not judge the client from a moral standpoint, but we do guide the client, above all with regard to the best interests of their child;
• we represent clients in proceedings competently and professionally, with detailed and appropriate preparation for the proceedings;
• we strictly guard against any possible conflict of interest between client and lawyer.

02A high level of responsibility towards the client's child

• the client has detailed instructions on how to act towards the child;
• the client is advised to refrain, in front of the child, from any behaviour that would distort the child's relationship with both parents; that could undermine the child's right to an equal and equivalent relationship with both parents; that could undermine the stability of the child's future upbringing environment; or that would deliberately prepare the child for court proceedings;
• we protect the child in all circumstances, particularly where there is a suspicion of abuse or another serious interference with the child's rights;
• we also base our approach in the matter on properly ascertaining the views of the minor child.

03A high level of responsibility towards the court or other authority in the proceedings

• in proceedings we act promptly, submitting evidence that is not misleading, deceptive or artificially produced for the court;
• we submit the required evidence to all parties to the proceedings promptly, without deliberately prolonging the proceedings or withholding evidence, in the interests of economy and speed of proceedings and to the extent necessary for the facts of the case to be properly established;
• through broad cooperation with all parties involved, we strengthen the client's position in the courts' final decision-making, while making every effort to reach agreement.

04A high level of responsibility towards other lawyers and colleagues

• we inform colleagues involved in the matter promptly and factually;
• we make every effort to reach agreement, in particular by initiating personal meetings;
• we proactively submit and request from each other all relevant evidence, so as to avoid disputes in court and reach an objective agreement;
• we cooperate with colleagues with courtesy and with respect for differing legal opinions, pursuing the best interests of the child as the best interests of the client;
• we work closely with other professionals in order to find the best solution to the situation.

05A high level of responsibility towards our own profession

• we continually broaden our know-how and our capacity for professional work through interdisciplinary training;
• we bring strong personal and moral qualities that make us a trustworthy authority for the client and the opposing party alike;
• we have a highly developed empathetic mindset, with the aim of understanding the client's situation and stance;
• we would rather end our services to a client who is unable to uphold the rights of the child;
• we do not “trade” in the law, and our professionalism cannot be influenced by anyone or anything;
• we have built a high level of trust and respect with the courts and other parties to proceedings.