As important as it is to have some understanding of the law, before you get started, it is probably even more important to have some understanding about the divorce process. That is because you will very likely be making divorce process choices very soon, they will have a major impact on the outcome of your divorce.
When we talk about process here, we mean the ways in which decisions get made. As we have already discussed, divorce is, among other things, a series of decisions. How those decisions get made could be more important than the decision themselves. To learn about process choices, click here.
Choosing the right process for you can be difficult, but it worth the extra effort. It could be the most important decision you make in the divorce. The best way to get the necessary second layer of information is to interview competent professionals who work in each of these areas to help you make the best decision for your family. For samples of questions to ask various professionals, click here.
Two Layers of Competent Information
We recommend that, before making any important divorce decisions, you need to obtain two layers of competent information.
The first layer is made up of the written information, through websites, books, articles, materials that are readily accessible to you to give you some background about your decisions, before you meet with a professional. We do not recommend relying on this information alone. No website, book or article can address your unique situation or answer your specific questions. However, this first layer of information can form a foundation and help you ask questions of competent professionals, when you are ready to move into the second layer of information.
It is important to get competent information at both levels, including the written information you receive. Much of what you read, (including this website) is comprised largely of opinions of the author. Therefore, you need to make sure the materials and opinions are created by someone who is competent in a particular area. We live in an information age, in which we are surrounded by articles and websites generated by millions of people. A website, for example, can be written by a leading professional in a particular field, or by an individual who simply wants to express a point of view. It is critical to check out the information. To learn what we mean by “competent” information, click here. To learn about this website, and to help you gauge the competence of the information you are reading, click here.
The second layer of information will come from the professionals that will help you through the divorce. In order to seek out this second layer of competent information, you need to think about how to find professional help that you can trust. It is important that you interview professionals thoroughly and that you make sure that you are being advised based upon the actual experience and training of the professional and not on biases or second hand information.