In normal relationships, spouses sometimes help each other out. However, when there is codependency in relationships, this is something that gets in the way of the normal functions of life. Often, the help that one spouse feels they are giving is actually hurting the other person. Enabling someone to drink or do drugs is not what is best, but getting someone help may threaten the dynamic of the relationship, and that is too scary for some to deal with. Rather than risk change, or even losing that person, those is codependent relationships allow things to continue, even when those conditions are less than ideal.

A divorce case is contested if the parties cannot agree on every one of the issues involved in their particular situation. Common areas of disagreement in a contested divorce include, but are not limited to: grounds for divorce, custody of the children, visitation rights, division of the assets of the marriage, child support, maintenance (alimony), payment of family debts, contribution toward educational expenses (college or parochial), payment of health insurance for the dependent spouse, income tax structuring, etc

A divorce involving children usually affects a child in a life-changing way. The effect of a child custody battle can take its toll on the child. Sometimes, the child considers himself to be the cause of the divorce. This could be a very difficult situation for the child who is still in his developmental stage. It's very important that the child custody issues are treated carefully. A divorce attorney who specializes in child custody can help guide the parent through these trials and hopefully ease the impact somewhat for the children. It is difficult for parents at an emotional low of their own to rise above it enough to protect their children emotionally, not from each other, but from the divorce. The truth is, you can divorce your spouse, but your child is not divorcing their parents and wants to keep you both.