Divorce affects people legally, financially, and emotionally. While we, as lawyers, focus on the legal and financial aspects of divorce, the nature of our specialty requires us to have a strong understanding of what our clients are experiencing emotionally. A lawyer is not a therapist, but good divorce lawyers recognize when strong emotions are at risk of affecting the outcome of a client’s divorce. A lawyer can advise you against making poor decisions, but ultimately you must have enough control of your emotions to ensure that your agreement serves both your short-term and long-term interests.
Most people have become comfortable with a “normal” range of emotions, within which they have learned to function well. During divorce, many people find themselves outside of their emotional comfort zone. Even the most even-keeled people may experience a loss of emotional control when faced with the stress of this major transition. In the articles below, we help you understand the emotional aspects of divorce. After describing the emotions you are likely to experience, we offer advice on how you can keep your emotions from interfering with your ability make good long-term decisions while negotiating your divorce agreement. Those who fail to acknowledge and manage their emotions during divorce can easily make a bad situation substantially worse.
Sections
The Range of Emotions
Pseudoreconciliation
The Grieving Process
Emotional Readiness for Negotiation
Reaching Emotional Readiness
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Obstacles to Getting Help
Finding a Mental Health Professional
