title: When Patients Divorce: The Family Physician's Legal Position.
abstract: When divorce and family disintegration loom, the family physician is often the first outsider on the scene. The family physician may, indeed, have a critical role to play in handling the crisis; he may advise, refer to other professionals like therapists or lawyers, or appear in court as an expert witness. The physician must consider his legal position. Is reconciliation counselling confidential, privileged information? Can he recommend a lawyer for a patient? What is the physician's vulnerability as an expert witness in divorce and custody proceedings? Knowledge, understanding and skillful handling of the legal and human processes involved can limit family destruction and help maintain the physician/patient relationship.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Mesbur