Family Law issues are rife with emotional highs and lows. Whether you are in an unsatisfying relationship, or have a child whose other parent has fallen behind in child support payments, it is usually always stressful. Changes in your everyday routine can exacerbate that stress. The holiday season is an obvious example of when our routines are shaken up. But even seemingly innocuous changes in life, like the change in seasons, can cause increased tension. Here are Five Tips to help you get through it, and prepare for action.
1. First of all, make a resolution. We typically think of New Year’s Resolutions, but the Spring season is a time of new beginnings. We observe it every year when we begin to hear birds chirping in the morning, or when the crocuses start popping through the soil. Spring is the start of new sports; our kids put away their football cleats and dig out the lacrosse sticks, and our favorite baseball team starts "spring training". So start your own "spring training"; set a goal to get out of a bad relationship or enforce that child support order. It can be a very empowering decision. It can be your New Beginning.
2. Start gathering documents. Your attorney will need bank statements, your last tax return, 3 paystubs from each party and information on utility bills, mortgage or rent payments.
3. Talk it out. Talk to a friend, clergy member or counselor. Just being able to vent your feelings can help you focus on what you really want. You should have some goals in mind when you see an attorney. For example, do you want primary physical custody of your children? Do you need more child support because you lost a job? You need to be able to calmly express yourself to your lawyer.
4. Start looking for an attorney. Ask friends for recommendations, but even then you should meet with the lawyer for a consultation. You need to feel comfortable with your lawyer. The essence of a lawyer/client relationship is trust. If you feel comfortable with and trust your lawyer, you will more than likely be happy with the end results.
5. Last but not least, take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet and get some fresh air - it is springtime afterall - and when your body is physically healthy, you will be better able to manage the stress associated with your issues. Don’t forget to take care of your spirit - get a manicure or have dinner with a friend; play a pick-up game with your buddies or grab a beer after work. It’s okay to laugh and have fun, even when you’re going through a difficult time.
Take some silent pleasure when you hear those birds in the morning. Its nature's message to you -- start spring training and be responsible for your own "New Beginning".
For more information, please contact me at 609-601-6612 or spedrick@youngbloodlegal.com
For more information, please contact me at 609-601-6612 or spedrick@youngbloodlegal.com
