THE EMOTIONAL IMPACTS OF INTRA-FAMILY LITIGATION

Any intra-family litigation, divorce, custody, support, orders of protection, etc., have strong emotional ramifications even in the strongest family units. To "go into battle" with a loved one and, sometimes, formerly trusted members of that person's family is at the least upsetting and at the most totally destructive to ties that may never heal. More destructive still are battles that spill over and hurt and damage the children. These damages are truly the hardest to deal with and comprehend - especially if it turns out that a parent or family member is harming the child and still does not stop or care.

It is never a bad idea to seek some personal advice or guidance from a counselor, social worker or doctor. Attorneys are not usually counselors or doctors. I know that certainly I am neither. Attorneys are there to guide you through the legal system and give you legal advice so you can make the best decisions. A counselor is much more adept at helping you go through the emotional roller coaster that is naturally expected when one is going through a divorce, especially if it is a long term marriage and/or involves children. It is generally proven that counseling early on in the divorce process helps the person remain more calm and able to be at a better place emotionally at the end of the divorce than not having any counseling throughout the entire divorce, especially if it is a contested divorce.