We all like to think that we can do things ourselves. Some of us more than others. You know who you are. Indeed, it’s highly likely you are the one reading this, because you want to confirm to yourself that you can do it and you don’t need the professionals.

I know, because I was one of you. Sometimes, I still am. But I am improving. I am starting to understand that jobs and professions exist for a reason – and it’s because they can often do it better.

Think about your own job. Regardless of what you do, let’s throw a random stranger in the street into your role. Could they do it? Maybe they could figure it out after a while. But would you do it better? Yes. I’d hope so.

Maybe that stranger is given a manual. It explains what they need to do to perform your role. They read that manual and then jump in and fill in for you. Would they do it better then? Again, probably not.

We all have to start somewhere, and there was once a time when the job you do today with such ease and confidence was actually… hard. Scary. You felt incompetent. You didn’t know what to do. Or you thought you did but maybe you didn’t and you kept asking someone else if you were doing it right and OMG YOU WERE PROBABLY REALLY ANNOYING!

I was annoying. I second guessed the hell out of myself. Eventually, though, I reached a point where that stopped. When I fumbled through my own divorce in 2016, it was clunky and uncomfortable. Now, I get to use my knowledge, skills and experience to help other people through it. I love it. It feels so good to know what I am doing and even better to know that I can use that to help people in a really important time in their life.

But that’s just me.

There are so many professionals engaged with family law in Australia that can be utilised. Child therapists, consults, and parenting coordinators. Specialists in domestic violence counselling for both survivors and perpetrators. Mediators and arbitrators.

Then you can go further afield to those who can support and assist you around the law, like financial planners and accountants, play therapists and counsellors, even real estate agents and schools. You would be surprised the resources around you that can help and support you to make your journey through separation so much easier.

Each of these roles, jobs, and professions carries with it skills and knowledge that make them specialists in what they do. And what they do, they do better than others. It’s their job. And they probably love it. They care, and they take great satisfaction from achieving the best possible outcome for you. Ego or otherwise, use it! Let them take that satisfaction and help you.

If you are fortunate to have access to those who can help you, it will always benefit you to do so. A burden shared is a burden halved. And the cost will usually be far outweighed by the benefit received – even if it is just peace of mind.

Take advantage of the services and professionals in your community.

Separate better.

JP