Divorces are among the most difficult & traumatic legal processes that most individuals will ever face. Finances, child custody, as well as other issues can cause anxiety, tension, & conflict. Despite the fact that almost half of all marriages in America lead to divorce, many individuals are unaware that dealing with a professional California family lawyer may significantly decrease the stress of a divorce. Working with a divorce attorney is by far the most effective way of making sure your divorce proceeds as smoothly as possible. Regardless, some people choose to file on their own. Although this may work in certain situations, the inclusion of combined assets, common debt, and children can complicate matters significantly. For example, separating finances without the assistance of a lawyer can have a detrimental impact on both credit and financial stability for two spouses filing without the assistance of a lawyer.