Divorce is never easy. It is often described as one of the most stressful life events a person can experience, right alongside the death of a loved one. While lawyers focus on the legal aspects—property division, parenting arrangements, and financial support—there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: the emotional and relational impact of separation.
This is where marriage counsellors can provide critical support. Even if reconciliation is no longer the goal, counselling during a divorce can make the process smoother, healthier, and less combative.
At Verhaeghe Law in Edmonton, we know divorce is not just a legal matter; it’s a personal transition that impacts your future. Having the right support in place can make the process more manageable. To discuss your situation, contact our Edmonton divorce lawyers today.
Why Consider Counselling During a Divorce?
Some people assume that once divorce proceedings begin, counselling is no longer relevant. In reality, professional guidance can play a key role in reducing conflict and helping families move forward. A counsellor can:
- Provide a neutral space to process anger, grief, and disappointment
- Teach communication strategies to avoid unnecessary conflict
- Help parents learn co-parenting techniques that prioritize their children’s well-being
- Offer tools for managing stress and anxiety throughout the legal process.
Divorce isn’t just about ending a marriage—it’s about reshaping a family. Counselling can help ensure that reshaping happens with as little harm as possible.
Improving Communication and Reducing Conflict
One of the biggest benefits of counselling during a divorce is improved communication. Even couples who have decided to part ways must often continue to interact, particularly if children are involved. Without tools to communicate respectfully, every discussion can spiral into arguments, which not only creates tension but can also make the legal process longer and more expensive.
Marriage counsellors provide strategies to keep conversations constructive and solution-focused. This can translate into smoother negotiations around parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and even financial matters.
If you’re worried about escalating conflict during your divorce, speaking with both a lawyer and a counsellor can provide the structure and support you need. Contact Verhaeghe Law’s Edmonton divorce lawyers to learn how we can help protect your interests.
Supporting Children Through Divorce
Children often experience divorce as a major upheaval, sometimes even blaming themselves for the separation. Marriage counsellors can help children understand what’s happening, process their emotions, and build resilience.
In Alberta, courts always consider the best interests of the child when making parenting decisions. Demonstrating that you are prioritizing your child’s emotional health—through counselling, stable routines, and healthy co-parenting—can strengthen your case during custody or decision-making responsibility proceedings.
If you’re facing a custody dispute, our lawyers at Verhaeghe Law can explain how your parenting efforts may be considered by the court. Contact us today for more information.
Preparing for Life After Divorce
Marriage counselling is not always about saving a marriage; sometimes it is about preparing each spouse for the next chapter of life. Counsellors can help individuals:
- Process grief and loss
- Build coping strategies for stress and anxiety
- Rebuild self-confidence and a sense of identity
- Develop healthier patterns for future relationships.
This emotional preparation often results in a smoother legal process, as parties are better able to focus on practical decision-making rather than reacting emotionally.
How Legal and Counselling Support Work Together
Legal counsel and marriage counselling are not mutually exclusive—they are complementary. At Verhaeghe Law, we handle the legal aspects: dividing assets, securing child support, negotiating parenting plans, and protecting your rights. Meanwhile, counsellors help manage the emotional strain that often complicates these decisions.
Together, these supports create a stronger foundation for moving forward with less conflict, less stress, and a greater sense of control.
Contact Verhaeghe Law For Help With Your Divorce
If you are going through a divorce in Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta, remember that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. With both legal guidance and emotional support, you can make decisions that are in your best interests and those of your children.
Contact Verhaeghe Law’s Edmonton divorce lawyers today to schedule a consultation. We are here to protect your rights, guide you through the process, and connect you with resources to make your transition smoother.