National Grief Awareness Day on August 30thAugust 28, 2018
August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day. Grief is not only managing the feelings of a loss of a loved one or close friend but also enduring an extreme change in lifestyle. Family law litigation, including divorce, custody and support matters, can create an extreme change in lifestyle. Further, losing the stability of a schedule, home, person and/or relationship can create feelings of suffering of a loss which require closure. As family law practitioners, we observe this suffering in our clients, routinely, regardless of the level of acrimony between the parties. A divorce typically involves a change in environment and routines, certainly a change in relationship with your spouse, and often times a change in residence. A custody action typically involves a change in schedule and routine and a change in relationship with the other parent. These changes in stability can feel like a void has been created and can be highly emotional.
We encourage our clients to seek and obtain the support they need as they transition through a divorce and/or custody matter. Whether parties are fiercely litigating their case, mediating their case, settling their case via the Collaborative Law Process, or working with counsel to resolve their case, there is no shame in asking for assistance. This support can be in the form of a mental health professional who specializes in family relationships. Some parties also seek solace in faith-based counseling. The feedback we receive from our clients is that working with a mental health professional can improve the outlook of the client, may assist with communication between the parties, and may improve the coparenting relationship. Although not an automatic magic elixir, addressing the emotional aspect of family law litigation is worth strong consideration.
Whatever your selection, and there are many choices, therapy can be a crucial component in healing the emotional aspect of family law litigation. Please do not hesitate to ask for the names of mental health professionals that may be able to offer counseling services. The attorneys at Daley Zucker Meilton & Miner, LLC are here to assist you with your legal needs. Please feel free to call us at (717) 724-9821.
Karen is a collaboratively trained professional with 13 years of experience. She serves as the Secretary of the Collaborative Professionals of Central Pennsylvania. She is also an active member in the Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania, and Dauphin County, Bar Association and Collaborative Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
