Check this out:

Everyone knows of at least one person who experienced long and/or costly civil cases (probably either divorce or child custody cases). The clients (husband and wife) usually separate and rush to an attorney because that's what society has taught us to (often unknowingly) do... Everyone almost always says, "just go get an attorney" when things heat up.

Allow me to briefly dazzle you. You DO NOT have to rush to an attorney.  There is a backdoor approach to tackling your tense civil issue. If you aren't full of emotional brain fog - then listen up and follow these steps to power your case, save emotional hardship, save money and resolve your case matters faster:

1). Hire a Private Investigator! I can not emphasize this enough (ESPECIALLY IF YOUR CASE IS TENSE). YOU NEED AUTHENTICATED AND CORROBORATED EVIDENCE BEFORE YOU RUN TO AN ATTORNEY!!! Don't be caught with your pants down in court. Your words will have little or no value. Get documentation, papers, pictures videos... The more the marrier. Build! Build! Build!

2). Now... Retain an attorney. Attempt to mediate before motions, oppositions or replies are filed. Now that you have "solid evidence" (collateral) you should be able to mediate your case in your favor.

3). Lastly, look at your bank account... You can relax! Go on a vacation. Spend some money on your loved ones and continue enjoying life!