Divorce and child custody proceedings are stressful, anyone who's gone through the process would tell you, and this stress often carries over into the workplace. But workers can't afford to risk losing their jobs in the current economy, especially when considering the costs associated with a divorce and custody case, as a Kansas City Star article explores.
Fortunately it seems as though the legal community is paying attention.
Mitchell Karpf, who chairs the American Bar Association's Section of Family Law, organized a Families Matter Symposium last month as a way of addressing workplace stress and other concerns. It's likely that a few Chicago family law attorneys were in attendance.
One idea suggested at the conference was to make mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution more available to families that may benefit the most.
One of the hopes is that a reformed custody process might relieve some of the anxiety that often spills into the workday. A Fort Lauderdale, Florida man identified as Brian said his custody dispute has consumed his energy and is always front-of-mind while he's working:
"The whole thing is so disgusting. I blame the legal system that's enabled her to pursue an unreasonable path."
Brian, who is a surgeon, said he's worried he won't be able to afford his mounting six-figure legal costs, even on a surgeon's salary. He also claims to have used up all of his vacation days for depositions and custody hearings.
For other families, one party often must make heart-wrenching choices about whether to relocate for work. Mitchell Karpf said divorce will never go away but that his goal is to "minimize the suffering."
Contact an experienced Illinois family law attorney to help you with your divorce and/or child custody matters.
Related Resources:
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Working Together to Resolve Custody (FindLaw)
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Working Moms and Dads with Child Custody: A Growing Trend (FindLaw's KnowledgeBase)
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