Chapter 1: The Impact of Bad Legal Counsel

The unfortunate reality is that I should never have entered into marriage. My emotional state was precarious due to a troubled upbringing, leaving me constantly exhausted and in pain, yet blissfully unaware of the underlying issues. Despite experiencing repeated mistreatment, I remained naively trusting. This was when my lawyer made his entrance.

From a young age, I had been conditioned to believe that my worth was tied to having a husband. This damaging mindset was emotionally taxing. Even amid my divorce, I sought a new partner, a decision I now recognize as misguided.

I did find a new partner, and he moved in. While I regret some of those choices, they are not the focus of this narrative.

What truly stands out is my conversation with my lawyer about my situation. He suggested we keep separate living arrangements and offered a slew of odd advice that resonated emotionally, though I can’t recall the specifics.

However, there was one critical thing that he failed to do—especially in the restrictive legal environment of Virginia—he never informed me that my actions were, in fact, illegal.

All it would have taken was for this educated individual to share that simple truth with me—his client. I was an unprepared 23-year-old stepping into a legal hearing that would further damage my already fragile self-esteem.

During the proceedings, my ex's lawyer hurled insults my way, most of which I can't remember, but one particular term has lingered painfully: "whore." This label haunted me, compelling me to remain in my second marriage and subsequent relationship long after the warning signs were evident, all in a misguided effort to validate myself.

The reason I shine a light on these painful experiences is to address a broader societal question: why are so many individuals struggling mentally? Having been raised in a conservative environment, I was not only denied necessary medical care but also faced extensive emotional trauma, exacerba