When contemplating divorce or separation, it is useful to speak to a family lawyer before you speak to your spouse. This sounds counter-intuitive, but planning your exit strategy and assembling data in advance can save you significant costs and eliminate some stress. After all, knowledge is power. If you cannot have an attorney meeting beforehand, do so as soon as possible after you have spoken to your spouse or significant other. This is important to do even if you hope to save your marriage or relationship as the knowledge imparted to you in such an information-gathering session can help guide you in marriage counseling or therapy as well as in a relationship-ending situation.