The loss of a relationship can be one of the most impactful experiences that any individual will ever go through. While everyone recovers from the ending of a relationship differently, there will always be a sense of loss. In addition, you may feel a combination of other emotions: guilt, anger, disappointment, etc. Unfortunately, at the same time you are experiencing all of these emotions, you will be asked by your lawyer to assist in participating in making important, and sometimes life-altering, decisions that will shape your future.
Harnessing logic and critical thinking at a time when you are having an emotional reaction can prove to be an amazingly difficult task. For this reason, if you are emotionally struggling with your divorce, it is vitally important to have a divorce team to assist you. Depending on your needs, this will include your family law lawyer, to guide you through the legal process and look out for your financial interests; an accountant to assist your lawyer with the money issues to relieve you of this responsibility; and a therapist.
Therapists come in many different forms and with different qualifications. It is important to find one with sufficient experience and with whom you can connect and trust. As much as family members can provide a good shoulder to cry on, they often are too close to the situation, and too inexperienced, to provide you with good advice on what is best for you. A properly qualified therapist will help you get through the turbulent times, so you can be as focused as possible when it comes time to assist your lawyer and accountant.
Having a separate therapist may also reduce your lawyer fees. Most clients are very aware of what discussions need to take place with their lawyers and can monitor themselves. However, some cannot help but vent their emotions to or to seek advice from their divorce lawyer. While lawyers may have practical advice based upon what their other clients have gone through, we simply are not qualified to be therapists. It is important that you seek help from the most qualified professionals.
It takes a village to get through any difficult situation in life. Divorce is certainly one of those situations.
DALE KLAUS and REUBEN DOUPÉ are family law and divorce attorneys with Coleman, Hazzard, Taylor, Klaus, Doupé & Diaz, PA. Visit www.CHTlegal.com or call 239-298-5200.
