Divorce attorneys are experts on marriage. After all, every day in their offices, they see the petty squabbles and simmering issues that can easily bring down a long-term relationship. What have they learned from their day jobs? We recently asked family law attorneys from across the country to share how their own marriages have been affected by their jobs and clients. To get a balanced account, we asked their spouses to weigh in, too! See what they had to say below:. Karen Covy , a divorce attorney and coach in Chicago, Illinois:.
I see a lot of small mistakes that build into big problems. I consciously work on avoiding those mistakes myself. I try not to let my professional stress bleed into my personal life and I try not to cross-examine my husband. But, I know who she is inside. Her profession is not the primary thing in our marriage. Margaret Klaw , a divorce attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:.
But you would be totally wrong. I, along with many of my colleagues in the family law bar, are deep appreciators of marriage. I think that is because we, more than most people, truly understand the value of family. And I know that has made me a better spouse and parent. I also love hearing about how badly couples behave no names, of course!
I also know that I would be screwed if I tried to divorce her because she is the only person I would want to represent me in court. Alison Patton , a divorce attorney and mediator in La Jolla, California:. Not always the case. And stop interrupting me! Some of us are just lucky enough to have the marriage survive until we figure it out. I think we made it through the rocky stretches because John is as strong a person as I am.
Even when we were furious with one another, we never lost mutual respect. I proposed a few months later. My friends asked me, why are you getting married again? And to a family law attorney!? It has to! Alison pays attention. I love her more today than the day we were married over 18 years ago.
