1) Why counseling?
Family law cases are usually emotionally charged. For that reason, one should seek counseling before or during the legal process.

2) Do we need to go together?
Depending on the one's needs, counseling is recommended for different purposes. One person may benefit from marriage counseling to improve or reconcile a relationship. Another may instead need "divorce counseling" to discover what went wrong, how to cope, and how to pick up the pieces and go on.

One will often put off going to a counselor because his or her spouse will not. Don't wait for your spouse to participate. Individual counseling can be extremely helpful and satisfying. Often parents and children attend counseling together to lessen the effects a divorce or custody dispute has on the children, and to help the family put their emotions back together.

3) How do I find the right counselor?
If you do not know where to begin, law firms can recommend qualified counselors. Your employment, social or religious contacts might also provide leads.

When choosing a counselor, be picky. Counselors have different styles or approaches. Search until you feel comfortable. A counselor may provide a first session at no cost or at a reduced rate to see "if it's a match." Ask about cost in your first meeting. Check your health insurance policy to see if your plan covers any part of the cost. Reassurance from friends and family members or legal advice from your lawyer may help at this time, but a counselor is trained to address your emotional ups and downs. Make an appointment with a counselor. It will help you and make your attorney's job easier.