HuffingtonPost.com has many good articles relating to divorce,
separation and related topics. Today one of the articles posted talked
about whether it is better to consult with a Marriage Counselor or a
Divorce Lawyer if you are undecided about reconciling or divorcing.
Address to article is below:
I have another
suggestion: See a family law attorney/mediator. Both parties see
the attorney/mediator together. The mediator is neutral about the outcome
and provides legal and practical information to give the couple an idea about
what their lives would be like if they separated or divorced. Sometimes
just gathering that information is enough to lead a couple to either give
counseling another shot or decide to proceed with the divorce.
The goal of
mediation is to help the parties reach a mutual decision about what they are
going to do. The attorney/mediator has the legal knowledge and expertise,
as well as practical experience, with divorce or legal separation to help the
parties see their options realistically.
Marriage
counselors help the couple deal with the emotional aspects of their decision to
reconcile or divorce; divorce lawyers advise the parties individually about
what might be "best" for them legally. The mediator helps them
look at their own and the other party’s perspectives and work cooperatively, not
necessarily happily, toward a joint decision. It is much less stressful
for the couple, and their children, if they make these very important decisions
together and not rely on others who don't know them (attorneys, judges, etc.)
or their children, to decide for them.
