Going through a divorce is likely to be one of the most stressful times in your life. No matter how long you have been married, a divorce results in an upheaval of almost every aspect of your life. Because your attorney is your advocate and has been hired to fight to protect your rights during the divorce process, it is easy to begin to rely upon your attorney for more than legal advice.
Clients often begin to consult with their divorce attorney about non-legal issues such as financial advice, career counseling, and emotional issues. Most attorneys are not qualified to provide this type of guidance, and if you spend significant amounts of time discussing non-legal matters with your attorney, you will find that your retainer is used before you are able to resolve your legal case. The good news is that most attorneys have access to various professionals who can help clients with all of their questions. Your attorney can refer you to a mental health professional or support group if you are having trouble dealing with the emotional aspects of your divorce; a financial planner if you are trying to work out a new budget for your post-divorce life; or a career counselor if you need to enter or r-enter the work force post-divorce.
By asking your attorney to refer you to the proper professional for your questions, you will save money and allow your attorney to concentrate on the legal matters at hand in your case.