Next Steps

Samantha Woods knows every family is unique with a personality of its own. There may be areas you will have no need to consider and others that are vitally important. We can help you consider how to handle the many difficult questions and situations from divorce and separation.

You will not spend your time reading an advice column of people with whom you have nothing in common. Nor will you be given a warm feel-good panacea. Rather you have the opportunity, in complete privacy and anonymity if you prefer, to consult via email, postal mail or telephone the specific issues you and your family are facing.

Regardless of which partner you are – the one wanting to keep the marriage or the one considering terminating the relationship – you need sensible, realistic suggestions to the dilemma of divorce. And it is just that – a dilemma. What to do?

Please consider the following questions and issues.

• Which is better: Sole custody or Joint custody?
• Does anyone get alimony today? Is there a formula?
• Who pays child support? Is there a formula?
• How should visitation be determined? How often? The kids have ball practice or dance lessons; do they have to miss for a visit?
• How do you find an attorney?
• What credentials do I look for?
• Is mediation required?
• Who pays for the mediator?
• Can I choose my own mediator?
• What is PSS?
• Who pays for medical care?
• Who keeps the house? Do I even want the house?
• What is equitable distribution?
• What is marital property?
• Are my implants marital property?
• Where do I look for hidden assets?
• Do I need to hire a private investigator?
• How do I prove adultery? Physical abuse?
• When is it a good thing to divorce?
• What do I say to friends? To my family? To my in-laws?
• When should I date again?