Divorce Support Groups

Too often, with the best intentions, friends and family offer ineffective advice. Divorce support groups should be limited only to those considering, involved or recovering. The key is a shared experience rather than unquestioned loyalty: an objective evaluation, a willingness to admit mistakes, acceptance of responsibility, and association with those who are moving on. The positive support provided by recovery groups is available through many sources, and may be most effective before filing.

Note when filing:

The availability of the dissolution of marriage, property distributions, and child support requirements are unique to each state because of variations in divorce decisions rendered by courts. As new cases are decided, new precedents establish variations in application. For this reason, everyone considering filing should consult local legal counsel. Best results are obtained through careful planning with legal counsel before committing to any course of action. Also be aware that filing creates a permanent public record. These records are rarely withdrawn, expunged or deleted absent extraordinary circumstances. Public records are available to anyone who inquires for a nominal fee.

A primary consideration driving the development of new laws revolves around children of the marriage. Children are typically not represented by attorneys in proceedings, yet are considered, as a matter of judicial and public policy, to have an overriding interest in the outcome. The needs of children financially, socially, parentally and educationally are considered the joint responsibility of parents. Courts are charged with responsibility to protect all interests of children in family court despite agreed requests of parents which may be inconsistent.