ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe the technique that they developed to conduct an evaluation of the major piece of law reform designed to regulate financial and property consequences of divorce with the potential to effect large-scale transfers of resources between individuals and households. The main purpose of the authors' research was to investigate the impact of new legislation on solicitors' routine work with clients getting a divorce. Rather than attempt to observe solicitors' interviews with clients directly, or ask them to reflect on the nature of their work, the authors developed a research instrument, termed 'the simulated client in a natural setting, meant to allow them to engage in their practice as usual. The 'simulated client' is similar to the vignette in its use of a constructed story, or case history, in order to examine a set of issues or variables.
