You might think that the easiest place to get some answers about divorce would be from an attorney, but calling an attorney is actually a bad idea unless you are informed and prepared ahead of time. Unless you have an immediate emergency, do not call an attorney until you have read Make Any Divorce Better to learn a few things you need to know before you take that step.

There’s one exception: if you have a California case, calling Divorce Helpline is a good idea because our attorneys are quite different: we do not take cases, represent anyone, or go to court. Our sole mission is to help you solve problems, develop options, reach a fair agreement and get your judgment without going to court.

How to get answers
What you need most is reliable information such as that available on this site or in our books. Be very careful about this: your friends and relatives will be a fountain of free advice, but don’t take it—you can’t be sure they know what they’re talking about or that their case or friend’s cases were anything like yours.

1. For general divorce orientation, problem solving and how to make any divorce better, we invite you to spend some time at this site and we strongly recommend that you read Make Any Divorce Better where you will find specific steps that will definitely help you make decisions that are best for you. Until then, browse our FAQs and explore the Reading Room.
   
   
2. To learn about divorce laws in your state and how to do your divorce:
   
   
   1. In California, get How to Do Your Own Divorce in California where you will find a summary of California laws and advice about decisions you must make.
      
      For personal service, you can’t do better than to call Divorce Helpline
      
      
   2. In Texas, get How to Do Your Own Divorce in Texas where you will find a summary of Texas laws and advice about decisions you must make.
      
      
   3. For all other states read How to Learn About Divorce Laws in Your State. For more information, read chapter 6 in Make Any Divorce Better.
      
      
3. To get advice from an attorney, look for a family law attorney who specializes primarily or entirely in mediation. This way, the advice you get will more likely be oriented toward solving problems rather than going to court. In California, the best thing you can do is to call Divorce Helpline
   
   
4. Do not call an attorney (other than ) for any reason short of an emergency before you read Make Any Divorce Better. The worst thing you can do is take your case to an attorney before you are informed and prepared.
   
   
5. If you want someone to help you settle disagreements and work out a fair settlement, you’re looking for an experienced family law attorney who specializes primarily or exclusively in mediation.