Marriage Counseling before a Divorce

Marriage counseling is often recommended especially when a marriage is not working.  It can be a good place for a married couple to discuss their difficulties in the marriage in the hopes of resolving them.  As a matter of fact, many couples can walk out of marriage counseling in a better place. The hope for many is that a compromise can be forged on key areas of difficulty and that the marriage can continue.  Marriage counselors that are good at what they do can get both parties talking. Marriage counselors can also help parties engage in a discourse that can lead to a better understanding and middle ground.

Unfortunately, in some cases, reconciliation attempts do not work in marriage counseling. In some cases, the truth is that parties may end up no closer than when marriage counseling began. In other circumstances, the parties may be further apart.  However, when one or both parties decide they cannot save their marriage in marriage counseling, marriage counseling can be a place to discuss collaborative divorce. It might be that the parties can at least agree that litigation is not the option they want for them and their family.  Litigation can make it difficult for parties to get along in the future. When the parties have children, they will need to co-parent. Co-parenting can be difficult after a contentious divorce.

However, in counseling, the parties can discuss their desire to forego litigation and try collaborative divorce instead. The parties might even talk about the collaborative divorce lawyers they intend to use.  A marriage counselor might also help the parties see the benefits of a collaborative divorce versus a litigated divorce. Many marriage counselors may be able to explain the benefits to one or both of the parties.  Thus, even while marriage counseling may not always work, marriage counseling could lead to a divorce done amicable versus through litigation.

Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

 

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

 

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2020, Best Lawyers, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.  Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.