Love and marriage, as the Sinatra song goes, go together like a horse and carriage. However, after looking at American divorce rates, it is difficult to see the Voice’s point.

After all, the statistics are heartbreaking (no pun intended). Nearly half of all marriages in the U.S. eventually end in divorce. The figures for multiple marriages are even more troubling. Second marriages end in divorce 60% of the time and for third marriages, the rate is at 73%! Unfortunately, the institution of marriage in the U.S. is in somewhat of a crisis, leaving many couples — and families — torn and in disarray.

No couple intends on getting a divorce when they exchange their wedding vows. However, if the time comes, it is best to be prepared. First and foremost, ask a family lawyer for legal advice and counsel. What is a family lawyer? A family lawyer, such as a child custody attorney or a child support attorney, is an attorney that specializes in divorce and family law. Especially when children are involved, divorce proceedings can get emotionally-charged and complicated. You should ask a family lawyer in the beginning of divorce proceedings for advice on how to go about the process, which is often long and distressing.

The legal advice family law counselors are invaluable throughout the process. It can be the difference between a favorable outcome for both sides and an acrimonious one on both sides. Issues such as child custody, alimony, property holdings, and legal statuses, among others, are all sorted out in court. Lawyers are there to clarify the conditions of divorce as well as to go about the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Divorce proceedings are, to put it lightly, unpleasant. They can take a lot out of a couple, of a family. Hopefully, the time will never come — but if it does, be sure to ask a family lawyer to help you along the way to becoming single again.