Many experts feel that this should be the very first thing that spouses do, but in reality, this does not happen very often. Usually, spouses attempt to work things out on their own, but quite often the hour approaches when counseling is severely needed. As a good rule of thumb, it is better to be too early as opposed to too late. Of course, the counselor is not a magician. However, it is his or her job to help family members recognize issues and combat them.
Counselors assist in the prioritization of needs, which can lead to rational decision-making.
Parents often do not realize, or lose track of the difficult decisions that children are faced with during a divorce. Parents can exert undue pressures and influences on children without ever intending or even realizing it. Children usually do not express how they truly feel to parents out of fear of disappointing them. The expense of counseling can vary dramatically, depending on exactly what services are needed, and the manner in which they are applied. It is not uncommon for counselors to work within the client's budget.