Every few days we hear that question from a man or woman who has been served with divorce papers. We want to share our amplified answer to that question.
Do you need at attorney? We do not know the answer, nor does any man or woman on this earth. Only your Lord God knows what His plans are for your family. In our marriage, a divorce was granted before our marriage was restored. In no way did that make restoration more difficult.
You need to be asking God if you need an attorney, and not listening to advice from anyone else. If you ask Him, God will provide His answer, not man’s suggestion, which could be wrong.
Rejoice Marriage Ministries does not provide legal advice, nor do we tell people facing divorce they should, or should not, retain an attorney. We are distressed, however, when we hear about an individual who followed the direct advice of someone to not get an attorney, and then have walked out of court after losing their home, their money, and often their children.
There is a vast difference in your retaining an attorney to institute divorce proceedings, and your finding an attorney to defend you after your spouse files. The Bible teaches the difference between a Christian bringing suit, and of defending yourself against the suit of someone else. If you have received divorce papers, you are being sued, possibly for everything precious to you.
Let’s assume you had been in an accident. The other party had filed suit, falsely accusing you of untrue facts. If you lost in court, you risk losing everything you have. Would you consult an attorney to know your legal rights?
There is a false teaching that a real “stander” will not use an attorney, trusting God alone to be their advocate in the courtroom. If an individual who teaches this were to become seriously ill, would they consult a doctor? We know that God alone is the Healer, so why go to a doctor or hospital if you are having a heart attack? The Lord gives special wisdom to some of His children so that they can help others.
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14
If you have been served with divorce papers, you have suffered a legal “heart attack.” The court action will not go away, simply because you choose to ignore all that is happening.
If you were awakened in the middle of the night by a noise and discovered someone in your home, attempting to steal, what would you do? We know the Lord will protect His children, so would you roll over and go back to sleep? No way! You would be praying while you were on the phone calling for help from the authorities.
Satan, the enemy of the family has broken into your home, intent on stealing your spouse, your belongings, and possibly even your children. Yes, God will be your Defender and your Protector, but you need to be asking Him if He would have you seek legal counsel.
“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15
Unless you are the one who is initiating divorce proceedings, consulting at attorney does not end your stand for marriage restoration. Doing so does not make you less of a stander. Anyone who would instruct that it does is giving false teaching, based on their erroneous opinion, and not on the Bible.
If the Lord leads you to retain an attorney, you need to prayerfully seek the man or woman that God has for you. Whenever possible, your attorney should be a Christian who understands and respects your standing with God for a marriage healed by Him.
Do you need at attorney? We have no idea, but we serve a God who has the perfect answer, not only to the attorney question, but for everything you ask of Him. Turn to Him, not man, today.
“Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek… Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 22:7-8,11-14
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