Making the decision to file for divorce is no easy task. Surviving the divorce is an entirely different challenge. From being honest with your attorney to preparing for the stress associated with divorce, here are five things you should know during this difficult journey.  


1. BE HONEST WITH YOUR ATTORNEY
According to attorney Fred Zundel of Idaho Legal Aid Services, honesty is a key factor in the attorney/client relationship. “The worst thing an attorney can experience is to go to a hearing or trial and for the first time learn negative information about a client,” Zundel said.  

As a general rule of thumb, most attorneys require a certain amount of information when a new client comes through their door. Zundel’s clients fill out a lengthy questionnaire that covers everything from the relationship prior to marriage to every aspect of the marriage from parenting to property. Overall, Zundel said it is imperative to know everything there is to know about the marriage. 

“I think it’s very important to let your attorney know everything about that marriage. The client needs to feel comfortable raising any questions and sharing any information they have. The client needs to be willing to share any bad news about him or herself, with their attorney,” Zundel said.  


2. DIVORCE IS STRESSFUL
When Jamie Herree, Misssissippi, finally determined she wanted a divorce, she thought the hard part was over.  “For me, the decision to get a divorce was tough, but I had know idea just how tough it was going to be,” Herree said.