Recently when driving to work, I saw a kid on a scooter become impatient while waiting at the lights to cross a very busy road. He became frustrated at how long the lights were taking to change and it appeared to me he was getting ready to risk crossing the busy thoroughfare in peak hour traffic, at great peril to himself. This got me thinking about how parties to family law disputes (both property and parenting) can become frustrated with the process resulting in them wanting to take steps without properly exploring all of the possible ramifications and consequences. Experience tells me that such impatience is often fraught with extreme danger. Vital information from third parties relevant to each step or outcome of the matter can be overlooked or underestimated. An educated and accurate assessment of the relevant risks may not possible during rushed or ill informed decision making.

I’ve come to learn over the last 11 years in private practice that encouraging clients to take a deep breath, to step back and a look out the “window” to regain mental clarity and a position of composure can often be invaluable to them. External pressures and stressors experienced during separation can make this a difficult task however freedom and peace might not be able to be achieved by attempting to cross the busy road during peak hour traffic on the do not walk sign.