One of the most common questions we get asked as attorneys is about the timing of actually bringing in a family law attorney during a separation or divorce. One of the most important things we tell our clients in Lake Forest and the Chicago area is that consulting with and involving an attorney as early in the process is always the best option.
In many divorces today the couple realizes that the relationship is not sustainable, and the decision to divorce may be mutually agreeable. In these situations, many people assume that once that initial decision is over, the rest of the process will continue on in the same way.
The Complications
The biggest challenges the couple will face in the divorce will typically start to surface during the time they start discussing issues of emotional content. This is often centered around the division of property and, even more often, issues to do with the children.
Deciding which parent the children will live with, which parent will decide on issues such as school, religious upbringing, how children will be transported between the parents and other issues can become high conflict areas very quickly. This is when a family law attorney can provide insight and legal support to avoid complications escalating into higher level conflict.
The Attorney Advantage
When we work for you as your legal representatives, we can often anticipate areas of problems and concern from our extensive experience in handling all types of divorce cases.
We offer traditional divorce, as well as collaborative divorce services, with the latter offer the option for the couple to work closely with their attorneys, and each other, to create a more comprehensive and cooperative divorce. This is much easier for the children, and it is also much easier for the couple as well.
We can talk to you about the services we provide, and the option of using collaborative divorce to create a less conflict-laden situation. We recognize this is not ideal for all couples, but it is a growing area of family law that provides a peaceful end to a marital relationship and a very positive start to your ongoing relationship as co-parents of your children.
Talking to our Lake Forest family law attorney during the separation or in the early part of the discussion about divorce is helpful. We can provide you with the information you need as well as help you to continue to have a positive relationship with your spouse to the extent possible based on the specifics of your situation.
