This is the slogan of a billboard that went up (complete with two pictures – check out the link) in Chicago’s Viagra Triangle in 2007.  I have two thoughts on this (at least two!).

First, intellectually, I think the slogan is correct. However, I’d insert an unwritten, but very important caveat: “if your marriage has ended emotionally”, “if you would rather be single” or “if you are perpetually unhappy in your marriage” in between “Life’s Short” and “Get a Divorce.”  This reading is right along with my way of thinking – having divorced people with dignity for 27 years.  I don’t want to have caused the situation, but when presented with the situation I want to help make the best of it – for the sake of the long-term happiness of all involved. 

Second, emotionally.  My gut reaction is that this ad is disgusting.  Every ounce of me wants to cry out that this is not what family law attorneys stand for.  The profession “divorce attorney” is said or thought of with enough disdain as it is, and this billboard slogan brings every bad joke about ambulance chasing and sharks to mind. Inspiring people to sue for divorce seems very wrong to me. I don’t inspire divorces. Our law firm, and many family law firms, offers services to people in a time of need, and helps them through difficult situations.