How to Get Help With Divorce

Going through a divorce can be the most difficult time of your life. Nobody should go through the process alone. Most people understand that they need some sort of legal counsel during a divorce. There are also plenty of individuals, groups and organizations that will help you cope with the emotional and, if necessary, physical pain caused by your divorce.

Instructions

1. Find a divorce attorney. Speak with people you know who have gone through a divorce and look in your phone book. You should have a consultation with at least three different attorneys before you choose one. No two divorces are similar so be sure to thoroughly explain your situation to each lawyer during these meetings. Be sure to ask questions about assets (such as your home) and what happens with the children (if you have any). The right divorce lawyer will be able to answer all of your questions and make you feel a little more calm about the situation.

2. Attend counseling while going through your divorce. You may have attended marriage counseling before in an attempt to save your relationship. These sessions, however, will be to help you cope through the stress and emotional pain caused by divorce. If you did attend a marriage counselor, you should start fresh with a different counselor.

3. Join a divorce support group. These groups allow you to meet with other people in your area who are going through the same thing. An easy way to locate these groups is to log onto the Divorce Care website (see Resources below). Click the "Find a Group" tab at the very top of the home page to find a meeting near you.

4. Contact organizations that will assist you financially during the divorce. You may find that you are having trouble paying bills or just keeping up financially. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program) can help with grocery shopping, as can W. I. C. (Women, Infants and Children). You may also be able to apply for welfare.

5. Call organizations that deal with domestic abuse victims if necessary. Unfortunately, many marriages end due to domestic abuse. Partners in Protection is an organization that will find shelter for you and your family if you are afraid that you are in danger. Call [phone] for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Use members of your church for support if you attend one. A minister or priest can offer counseling during your divorce. Most churches also have food pantries and other programs which can help you with your financial problems. Speak with your close friends and family members. Nobody can help you out during a divorce quite like these individuals. They can watch your kids, give you a place to sleep (or escape) and even offer you food until you get back on your feet.

• None of these things can make divorce "easy." They can, however, help to ease some of your stress.

Resources

• Divorce Care
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Welfare-to-Work Program
• Partners in Protection