Divorce is one of the hardest things a person and family can go through. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most common. On average, about 40-50% of all first marriages and 60% of second marriages will end in divorce. In total, about 876,000 U.S. couples will get divorced every year.

This is why divorce is one of the biggest aspects of family law. Being a family lawyer takes a little more than just exceptional knowledge and experience with the law and divorce process, though. It takes a certain level of communication and ability to relate to people in order to get them to open up and trust you during such a tumultuous time. Here are three important areas of interest every family lawyer needs to approach in a sensitive -- yet effective -- manner.

1. Children: The number one most important part of the job for a vast majority of family lawyers is of course the kids. Approximately 1.5 million children will experience a divorce every year, and although they are innocent bystanders, they are just as effected, if not more so, as the parents involved.

   Depending on their age and personality, it can be extremely difficult (or relatively easy) for family lawyers to get information and opinions from children, which can play a big part of the divorce process.

2. Determining Fault: Many states have actually done away with this juvenile-sounding part of the process, but in some locales, it's still something divorce lawyers will typically fight tooth-and-nail over. There are a plethora of financial, custodial, and personal implications that go along with the burden of blame.
3. Going Forward: It's the job of good family lawyers to have children's best interests in mind throughout the proceedings. Sometimes, the kids themselves may know what's best for them. It's up to the professionals to determine what should happen in the future in terms of things like custody, visitation, alimony, and possessions.

As hard as divorces can be, they're an important and necessary function of society. A good family lawyer will help you through the process in a professional, caring, and responsible a way for everyone involved.