Contemplating divorce, or going through a divorce, is one of the most stressful events in life. Unfortunately, more than half of married couples will experience it. Due to high divorce rates, almost everyone who goes through a divorce knows someone who has been divorced or is in the process of getting divorced. There are often hurt feelings, custody battles, and property divisions to resolve.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may be tempted to seek advice and information from friends, relatives, co-workers, and others who have been through the same difficult situation, but do not. Seek comfort and support from this group and get legal advice from your attorney. A good divorce attorney will be able to answer any questions you have and guide you in the direction that is best for you and your children.
A divorce case is complex. Clients are often anxious because they do not have answers to many of their questions. Although your case and a friend’s divorce may seem similar, they are likely to be different. There are so many variables that go into every case, including custody, money, prenuptial agreements, alimony, and many other factors.
Family law cases are based on facts. Differences in the facts of one case and another will lead to different legal strategies and outcomes. That is why the best person to seek legal advice is your attorney. You should be concerned with ensuring that you and your children receive the best possible advice and results. A lawyer can steer you in the right direction, while an unwitting friend can accidentally mislead you.
What if you don’t have a lawyer yet? I highly recommend hiring an attorney who specializes in family law. Your own social network may be able to provide you with the names of attorneys. Additionally, there are organizations to help you find the right divorce resources, attorneys, and other professionals. Your local bar associations can be another good resource.
One of my favorite organizations for women in the Chicago area that helps find divorce attorneys and offers support groups is The Lilac Tree: Resources for Divorcing Women in Evanston, IL. The Lilac Tree is a non-profit organization that provides a multitude of resources for women who are considering divorce, going through divorce, or already divorced. I encourage women looking for information to visit your website. For men, find a local divorce meeting group in your area.