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By Christina Stripp and Janice Frollo.
Beginning the divorce process is never easy, especially in the current climate of uncertainty and isolation. The first call to a divorce attorney may take a lot of courage to make, but it involves a very important first step: acknowledging the possibility that the marriage is over.
The initial phone call will most likely be with one of our staff members. Some of the potential questions you may be asked are: “Does your spouse know that you are calling? Are you still residing in the same residence? What are the ages of your children? Are you currently employed? Is your spouse employed?” They may also attempt to determine if you are seeking a mediator or an attorney to represent you in divorce litigation. They may explain that a mediator is a neutral party and is not on the side of either party. The role of the mediator is to help the two parties to come to an agreement. On the other hand, an attorney advocates for the specific interests of the represented party.
Many concerns or points of conflict you have long considered acceptable may now, as a result of quarantining and social distancing, seem insurmountable. If you think that exploring a divorce is the right decision for you, or if you want to speak with someone to evaluate your options, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys and staff of the Family Law group at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf, LLP. You may be practicing social distancing, but you are not alone. We remain available to provide legal services to our community during this difficult time.