December and January—the time of year when both gifts and the financial year are wrapped and focus begins anew on a fresh start and a “better you.” It’s the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new, when well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions are set into motion.
Perhaps a page from last year that you’d like to turn quickly involves a broken or irreparable relationship with your spouse that has you contemplating divorce.
But before you close the books on that relationship; it’s best to take an extra hour, day, or week to speak to a professional, objective divorce attorney to make sure you know all of your options.
You don’t want to speak with a divorce attorney when you have a crisis on your hands and emotions are high. You need to speak with one in advance to find out your rights, procedures, bargaining methods, and whether filing for divorce is the right decision for you.
You may think that once you see a lawyer, you have to move forward right away with a divorce. But that is not so. Just because you have a conversation with an attorney doesn’t mean you have to take any action. Think about it like this: if you were considering going back to school to get your master’s degree and you request a course catalog from Penn State, that doesn’t mean you have to take the trip out to State College the next day. You’re simply considering all of your options.
Educate yourself about all of the options, including NOT hiring a lawyer or starting a lawsuit; but rather seeing a mediator who will keep you out of court, charge a fraction of the cost, and help you avoid unnecessary conflict.
The start of a new year and a “better you” means self-examination and part of that involves asking for help.
If you have any questions about divorce or need help in the choice you are thinking of making in leaving that relationship, please feel free to call me at (646) 663-4546, and I’d be happy to advise on the outcome you are looking for. I’m Lois Brenner, a psychologically trained medical professional, mediator, and divorce attorney; and I will help you achieve the future you deserve.