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.