New Perspective on Representing Clients

I have represented divorce clients for almost 18 years now.  I thought I always had compassion and understanding about  my clients' needs, and I did.  I just didn't understand it exactly from their viewpoint or perspective.  Now I do.  I am in the process of getting divorced myself and let me say, it has opened my eyes on a lot of the emotional issues involving a divorce.    I have two children and I am trying to keep their best interests in mind with dealing with my soon to be ex.  It isn't always easy and I find myself biting back words, especially if I know the children are close by.  Dealing with him not wanting to pay child support even though I have the children the majority of the time, paying joint bills, deciding where to live,  when each will have the children, etc.   The list goes on.  There are so many issues that I disagree with him on but have to remain calm for the children's sake.  They are the most important part of this divorce and it is hard enough on them without us adding to their worries.  So, to all of you out there that have went through a divorce and managed to keep the children out of the battles - I salute you.  You have my utmost respect.  I know that when I represent a divorce client in the future, I will have more insight and respect for what the client is going through and, hopefully, my personal experience will make me a more compassionate attorney and more able to  guide them through the emotional process as well as the legal process.