Should We See a Marriage Counselor or Divorce Lawyer?

HuffingtonPost.com has many good articles relating to divorce.  A recent article discussed when faced with questions about whether to divorce or reconcile, where do you go for advice: a marriage counselor or a divorce lawyer? 

I have another suggestion:  See a professional family mediator.  

A neutral mediator can provide the parties, who see the mediator together, practical information to give the couple an idea about what their lives would be like if they divorced. The goal of mediation is to help the parties reach a mutual decision about what they are going to do and develop their own fair and lasting solutions outside the courtroom.  The mediator has the knowledge and expertise, as well as practical experience, with divorce 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 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.

If you or someone you know could benefit from structured assistance in decision making around your divorce, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns and help you decide if divorce me­diation would be beneficial.