Have you tried marital counseling? Have you gotten input from trusted friends and family? You may consider speaking with a therapist before moving forward with the decision. However, at the end of the day, the decision to be made is with you. You know what is best for you and your family!

Obtain divorce attorney referrals from friends, family members, and/or colleagues who have gone through the divorce process already. Peruse divorce attorneys’ websites and online reviews.

This can be a costly endeavor, but meeting with a few divorce attorneys to determine the attorney who is right for you, could be a wise investment in your future. Do not immediately discount attorneys who do not provide free consultations. Often times, you get what you pay for (or don’t pay for).

Gather your most recent tax returns, pay stubs, account statements (i.e. bank, investment, retirement, mortgage, credit card, etc.), and plan to provide them to your attorney(s). If you anticipate a custody battle over children, you may also find it beneficial to bring materials you have been collecting to support your custody position.   If you decide not to retain a particular divorce attorney, be sure to take your documents and materials with you after the meeting.

You may find it beneficial to prepare a list of questions that you would like to have answered by the conclusion of the consultation(s). A good divorce attorney will likely answer the majority of your questions before you even need to turn to your list. However, every person is different, and you should be prepared to communicate your priorities and areas of concern to your divorce attorney.