I highly recommend speaking with a number of attorneys before choosing one. You can Yelp attorneys and look up on Google for reviews as well as asking others who may have referrals. The courthouse does offer a list of referrals, though this list is not always up to date and is not based upon positive reviews. If you go on Yelp, make sure you read through the reviews so you know why people are giving positive or negative input. If someone gives you a referral that is not in your area, you can still contact them and see if they know of someone they would refer in your area. Many attorneys know other attorneys and would be happy to give out the contact if you are not located in his or her area. Take your time and try not to rush. Have a couple of attorneys you can consult with just in case one is not available.
If you are putting together your own forms, make sure that you send your draft to the attorney to verify accuracy and that everything is in order to file with the court. If you have a judge who has preferences, such as type of font, size of font, spacing requirements and number of pages, make sure you know these details in advance or ask the attorney if he or she knows these details. Putting your own forms together is not difficult in many cases, but if you are having a difficult time, paying the attorney to draft the writing portion of your document may be beneficial in the long run. Sometimes people will write out what they think should be in the document and then send it to the attorney to be proofread and modified as needed. To see some of the legal forms available go to forms.
Now if you are dealing with a very difficult situation, you may fair better with hiring an attorney. But this is not always the case. Consider your options and weigh them carefully. If you are a praying woman, pray for God's leading and for giving you wisdom in making the right decision. Try not to walk in fear. If you have an ex-spouse who regularly uses scare tactics or bullies you, seek out ways to relax, stay present and focused on the task at hand, and know that even if the situation gets rough, God will get you and your children through. Here are a few scriptures that have helped me with fear:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
For more scriptures on fear, go to no more fear
Praying for you!
Ashley
Ashley Osier got her master's degree at John F. Kennedy University first in Somatic Psychology and finishing in Holistic Health Education. She is a certified Stress Management Practitioner and has a passion to help others decrease stress in their lives through practical applications. She has been studying various perspectives on the matter since 2009, applying these to her degrees and certifications in working with others. In 2012 Ashley started Lovenprose, an aspect of her business that focuses on loving, encouraging, protecting and serving women and children of all ages. Lovenprose is still a work in progress as she actively supports women and children in varied capacities. Ashley can be contacted for supportive services via email at: inthechildrensbestinterest@gmail.com. You can visit her business website for more information.
