64 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MAY | JUNE 2017 You’ve Been Served WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE CAUGHT OFF GUARD BY DIVORCE by Paula Bennett | Contributor Few things can leave you feeling as emotionally blindsided as hearing your spouse, the person you once trusted above all others, say that your marriage is over. It is a natural reaction. According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, only the death of a spouse is a more stressful life event than divorce or separation. Ifthedivorcefilingisunexpectedandunwanted,yourstress will be compounded by a wave of confusion, uncertainty and raw emotion. Allow yourself a good cry or some other catharsis, then pick yourself up and start looking for a good family law attorney because even though it may not seem like it now, it is possible to regain a sense of control over your future. This may be the first and only time you will ever need to hire an attorney, so it is understandable if you don’t know which way to turn. If friends or family members have been through a divorce, you may want to ask if they would recommend their attorney. However, your circumstances may be very different from theirs, and you may need to find someone better suited to your needs. There are a number of reputable websites that provide helpful client reviews. The most important thing is that you find someone you trust. goodADVICE