As Dr. Ken Wise, a Dallas area clinical psychologist, wisely says, “no one is at their best during a divorce.”  This statement is true for clients who have made the decision to initiate divorce and are ready to proceed and also for clients who may feel blindsided or not prepared when their spouse filed for divorce. Divorce is difficult and causes stress, fear of change and uncertainty for any person involved; but for some, the emotional toll is greater than others.

Mixed Emotions Are to Be Expected

It is important to assure clients that emotional challenges are a very normal part of divorce. Mental health considerations should be part of every comprehensive case strategy for family lawyers and cover topics such as coping with the loss of the marriage, processing the “new normal,” experiencing significant life changes, dealing with underlying mental health problems or substance abuse issues, handling financial and career adjustments, addressing anxiety and stress caused by the divorce, and struggling with the impact divorce has on children and other family members.