Divorce is never an easy situation, regardless of how amicable you may be with your spouse or how many financial issues you have to resolve. I have found that whenever someone walks into my office and says they just need a simple divorce, things can always turn down hill.

Very early on in my career, I was working for a family law attorney in Burlington County. It was a very small firm, just one lawyer and myself so I spent a lot of time talking with clients and had a very "hands-on" approach with the cases.

There was one divorce case that I remember very well. It was a long and emotional case, that lasted several years. It ultimately went to trial, which went very well for our client. It was a roller coaster of emotions for the client and for the office as well. And despite the success we felt as professionals, nothing could overcome the years of intense litigation that the client endured. As a result of this multi-year case, the client's life was forever changed. I would like to think it was changed for the better, but only she can say for sure.

The client was Deb Chaney. After going through this very difficult and long divorce, Deb decided to leave her profession, go back to school and become a paralegal. She fully intends to get involved in matrimonial law to help other people who were in similar situations. Her divorce was final back in 2005, and she has recently finished her degree. I thought it might be a good idea for Deb to write a few blog postings to give you her advice from her own personal experience.

So, please take the time to read these posts. They are not intended to be legal advice, simply a story from someone who has actually been through the process and is anxious to help others in a similar place.