Practicing law is sometimes a lonely business. It’s you working on behalf of your client, and no matter where you turn or what you do, you’ve got an opposing counsel trying to undo whatever you’ve done. Someone is always trying to tear down what you’ve built up. Someone is always arguing against your position. Whatever you say, someone else says the opposite, and sometimes your opponent is right and you’re wrong. It’s tough.

Some of the lawyers we deal with each day behave badly. They yell, scream, commit personal attacks, and are generally disagreeable. It’s enough to make a jaded litigator tired. It just gets old.

Our clients—oh, our clients—can be terrific. But they really can be a nightmare. They can call you first thing in the morning and ruin your whole day. Ugh.

However, you’re not alone. When you’re feeling worn out and tired, you actually have a peer group you can turn to for support. Family law practitioners are amazingly supportive of one another, with one exception.

You’ll find that other family law practitioners are some of the few people who really understand what it’s like. They get the pressure, the stress, and the weird relationships. They understand.

It’s tough, however, for your competitors to be understanding. These people are working to earn the same dollars you are, and some of them can’t turn off their competitive energy. Some can. But you’ll find a huge pool of family law practitioners in other markets who totally get where you’re coming from, and they are competing with you for dollars. They really understand what you’re going through, and they’re people who are good with people. They know how to help. They’ve got the skills to help other people feel better.

How do you find them? The easiest way is to get involved in family law listserves. The American Bar Association Family Law Section has one. There are lots of others. You’ll find groups of family law attorneys on LinkedIn and hanging around Twitter. You’ll be shocked at how easily you can take these relationships offline and move them to the phone and in person. These are people who enjoy talking with and helping other people.

If the online thing doesn’t work for you, attend an ABA Family Law Section meeting, or if you’re qualified, join the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

You are not alone. Lots of others are living the same life you’re living and doing the same work. Make some connections, build some relationships, and share your concerns, and be open to accepting the help that is offered.