Go to the Probate and Family Court in your county to observe hearings and trials. Don't wait for your spouse to agree to participate in counseling. Individual counseling can help. If it is safe and there is no more violence in the relationship, parents and children may attend sessions together to help reduce the effects of a divorce or custody dispute on the children and to help the family heal emotionally. There are many books available with tips on handling the stress of separation.
Divorce is often a lonely and emotionally draining experience for women.
It is our hope that by getting information and controlling the process yourself, with the support of this manual and other women who are going through or have been through the same thing, you will find the experience less painful. It is sufficient that you and your husband don't get along any more, or don't want to be married any more. If this ground is used, both parties must appear in court. There is no waiting period between filing and requesting a trial date. They can request a trial date when they file their petition, separation agreement and affidavit.