Holidays have a lot of good things about them but as everyone know can be very stressful.  I am a lawyer who helps people in trouble.  One of the most troubling times for people is during and after the holiday season.  This is one of the busiest times of the year for an attorney as people are dealing with many issues with family and finances.  A lot of people also wait until after the holidays to file for divorce, bankruptcy and more. 

 A lawyer is not a counselor and can not tell you whether  this is right for you emotionally but can tell you some of the advantages and disadvantages.   There is a lot of information that is useful to think about.  The more information about your finances regarding incomes, assets, liabilities and expenses will be a large part of any discussion.  Looking at what the best case scenario, worst case and in between scenario if you do not file and the same if you do file is a good way to explore some of your options.  Most lawyers, including myself, offer a free initial meeting but if you have some of this information it will help the lawyer to advise you.

The holidays have a lot of great things for many people but are also the worst and most stressful times for many.  I have found that my practice has a lot of people dealing with stressors and either voluntarily or not being in legal situations.  Many items people decide to get a divorce after the holidays or have the need to file bankruptcy due to the financial stressors.  In addition, there are a great deal of criminal behavior, DCF involvement and other that take place. 

Other times people are not in as much trouble as reaching resolutions for the new year such as having wills or durable power of attorneys or getting a guardianship.  This time of year it is important to recognize that many people are in the same situation as you may be.