There is something about October that naturally encourages reflection. Summer is behind us, children are settled into the school year, routines have returned, and the holidays are beginning to appear on the calendar. For someone who has been thinking about divorce or separation, this time of year can bring another realization: Do I want to be in the same place this time next year? That does not mean you need to make a major decision before Halloween or rush into a divorce before the holidays....

One of the first questions many people ask when considering divorce is: Do I need to hire a lawyer? For some divorces, attorneys play an important and necessary role. But not every couple needs to begin the divorce process by hiring two separate lawyers and preparing for a legal battle. If you and your spouse are willing to communicate, share information honestly, and work toward mutually acceptable decisions, there is a more collaborative, less expensive, and less stressful path forward....

You and your spouse have had the conversations. You have reached the difficult decision that your marriage is ending. Now comes a surprisingly common question: What are we actually supposed to do next? Many couples assume the first step is for each spouse to hire an attorney. While that may be appropriate in some situations, couples who want an amicable divorce have other options. If you are both committed to reaching a fair agreement and avoiding unnecessary conflict, you can approach...