Why choosing the right divorce lawyer is so important

Despite that fact the divorce rate in the United Kingdom has been falling in recent years, the sad fact remains that thousands of marriages every year still end in divorce and that means ten of thousands of people every year, including children, experiencing the anguish and dislocation that result from the breakdown of a family unit.

If you believe that your marriage maybe breaking down then maybe the first step is to seek marriage guidance counselling. But if things are too far gone for that, or you have tried counselling to no avail, then you need to equip yourself for what may be a protracted and stressful legal divorce process.

For some people, divorce is a joyous and liberating experience; for others a deeply painful and traumatic one that leaves lasting psychological scars. But, regardless of whether it's joy or sadness, you need to prepare yourself for the best possible life after the divorce and that means dealing with the often gruelling issues of finances, the family home, the care and control of the children and access rights, pensions, living arrangements and even custody the family pets. Even if you and your spouse have agreed to part company on amicable terms, the divorce can still get very confrontational and even bitter when it comes to money, children and the family property with both parties fighting tooth-and-nail for the best deal they can get. That may be why more couples than ever are choosing to cohabit rather than marry.

This is why it is so important for you to chose the right divorce barrister. The right legal advisor is someone who has experience, knowledge, tradecraft and, just as importantly, understands the huge burden of emotional stress that the process is placing on you and your family. A good divorce lawyer is one who has "seen it all before" and while he or she can sympathise with you and even comfort you, they also need to be firm enough and detached enough to fight your corner properly and ensure that you get everything to which you are entitled. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, a good divorce lawyer will be able to help you make the best arrangements for your children to ensure that they are impacted as little as possible.

There is life after divorce but the quality of that life can be so much better if you chose the right divorce lawyer to represent you. Many divorcees go on to re-marry and live happily-every-after but your chances of achieving that are significantly improved if you had the right advice and guidance first time round.

Some couples do manage a "clean break". But the majority of divorcing couples, especially those with children, face the upheaval of the full legal battle and you would be unwise to join that battle without a shield and a sword. The right divorce lawyer will be both.