When is it Right to get a Divorce?

When your marriage is not going well, how do you know when it is time to seek legal advice and file for a divorce? Divorce is very hard, even when you think you have made up your mind that the marriage is over. Often times, the decision to divorce is much more difficult than the decision to get married. The decision to get divorced usually involves and affects others, your children, extended family members, mutual friends and others, to name a few. When you get married, generally everyone is excited and happy. Divorce is just the opposite.

When the feeling of despair and hopelessness sets in, it is time to act. You can expect to feel many emotions. The prospects of losing a marriage is very similar to a death of someone very close to you. You will most likely experience the five stages of grief which we have heard about at some point in our lives. You can expect to go through these emotional stages, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These stages may not occur in the same patterned for each individual. You can expect your emotions to vary from very confident and in control to low morale, depression and completely out of control. People dealing with the decision to divorce often become something or someone they later will not recognize.

Not all is lost. At this stage, it is important to assemble your team and gather information to help you make a good decision. Individual or marriage therapy should and may provide more clarity to the decision about the seriousness of the breakdown in the marriage. This is also a good time to seek a consultation with a good family lawyer to understand the legal aspects of what is likely to happen in a divorce. A good family lawyer will explain the law regarding many important issues, custody, support, parenting time for the children and division of the marital estate. Here at VBMP, we have experienced family lawyers who will take the time to explain the legal issues to you and help you put together a great team to assist you in making the very important decision to divorce.

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, 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.