If you are living through a Family Court case right now, you know how stressful it can be. Maybe you are going through a divorce. It is difficult to see a marriage reduced to the dollars and cents based on the value of your assets and debts. Maybe you are fighting for custody of your children or grandchildren. Maybe you just want visitation with your child but child support seems to be the only thing the other parent really cares about. If you do find yourself frustrated, confused, stressed out and/or depressed, here are some things you should know.
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Nearly every client who is involved in a Family Court case has feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, or depression. Sometimes they are on a roller coaster ride of emotions that change day to day. This experience is NOT abnormal. It is typical. The goal is to understand that you are going to have these feelings and learn to manage them in a healthy way. A Family Court case is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Taking care of you is important.
- SPEAK UP. A lawyer is a zealous advocate, and communication with a retained attorney is privileged. You are not relegated to communicate just about the dollars and cents of child support or alimony. You are not limited to communication with your attorney about visitation schedules. Difficulties of your Family Court case include both the financial and emotional aspects of your case. Be open with your attorney about these issues. Your lawyer is not a counselor or therapist but can help you with suggestions on how to find resources to appropriately address the emotional impact your case may be having on you. Your lawyer wants the best outcome for you!
- SEEK HELP. You and your lawyer can form a strategy to address your anxiety or depression to minimize the impact it may have on you, your family and even your case. Resources may include referrals to local divorce recovery groups, pastoral counseling, or therapeutic intervention, among other options. Making sure you address your own physical and mental health needs will help you navigate the court process more easily.
Blog post by Allison Dunham. Click here to learn more about Allison.
The posts on this website/blog are published as a service to our clients and friends. They are intended to provide general information only and should not be construed to be formal legal advice regarding any specific situation and should not be construed as forming an attorney-client relationship. Success in the past does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future representation.
The post Coping with anxiety and depression during your family court case: words of encouragement appeared first on KD Trial Lawyers.