Arizona Divorce Lawyer

Avoid Divorce At All Costs
Married Couples Are Happier

Many divorces results in heartache, turmoil and financial ruin. Children become the innocent victims. Third-party friends and family are forced to choose sides.

I believe married couples should do everything in their power to maintain their marriage. Of course, there are many valid reasons for a divorce.

Statistics show that children raised in a single-parent home after divorce "have a much higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, poor school performance and other kinds of victimization."

When couples are contemplating a divorce, first seek counseling. This will only be helpful, however, if both parties agree:

1. that there is a problem;
2. that they are contributing to the problem; and
3. that they can bring a solution to the problem through their own changes.

Divorce is not a solution to helping people find their happiness. In fact, couples that stay married earn more money, are happier, have more fulfilling family and extended family relationships and do better in society; and their children do better, as well. Divorce does not resolve conflicts; it makes them worse.

Divorce becomes a vicious cycle, and families who divorce have a higher percentage of children who become divorced.

Should you decide that divorce is inevitable, think long and hard about your decision, because it will have consequences for years to come. Ponder and deliberate on your decision and if you are a religious person pray on your decision. Get good legal and spiritual advice. Be honest with your spouse, attend counseling and do everything in your power to work through the issues before you rush to the courts to file for divorce. It has been said, "a good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive toward perfection."

Discouraging divorces may seem strange coming from an attorney; however, after representing hundreds if not thousands of people in divorces, believe me, this is sound advice. You will be happier making your marriage work!

However if you find you need to consult an attorney to discuss your personal circumstance please call Rowley Chapman Barney & Buntrock, Ltd. at (480) 833-1113 and ask for me, Paul Rowley, our firm's managing partner.