We’ve Decided to Divorce, Now What?~ 2 min read
After making the difficult decision to divorce, your next steps should include learning about your options, talking with experienced divorce attorneys, and thinking about how you want the process to affect your family. Choosing the right approach early will save time, reduce conflict, lessen the impact on your children and give you more control.
Start by Learning About Your Divorce Options
Once you have made the decision to divorce, it is important to learn that there are different ways you can move forward. Do you want a high-conflict court case, or are you hoping for a more peaceful approach? Many people start by researching online, but it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Not everything you read online is accurate or applies to your situation. There may be nuances in the law that are not adequately explained online.
You may want to speak with more than one attorney to find the best person who fits your needs. Some attorneys are aggressive by default, while others focus on helping families work together to resolve issues. The most aggressive approach is not always the best approach for your family and sometimes can do nothing more than cost additional fees. Before making any decisions, learn about Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, especially if you want to avoid a drawn-out public legal battle.
Think About What Matters Most
As you consider your next steps, think about how this divorce will affect your mental health, your children, and your finances. If you have children, ask yourself whether going through a long court fight is something you want them to witness. There are ways to resolve parenting schedules and financial issues without causing more stress for your family.
Choosing an attorney who understands your priorities and communicates well can make a big difference. Ask about how they approach cases, how they keep you informed, and whether they will be the one handling your case. You may also want to ask about billing practices and how to reach them in an emergency.
Match the Process to Your Family’s Needs
Whether you are considering Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, or Litigation, the process should reflect what matters to you. Some people prefer the extra support that comes with a Collaborative team, while others may feel comfortable negotiating in Mediation. No matter which option you choose, the goal is to find a process that helps you make thoughtful decisions instead of reacting out of fear or frustration.
Contact Family Ally
At Family Ally, we help you understand all of your options so you can choose the approach that works best for your family. If you are ready to take the next step, contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you during this time.
Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
