I finalized a matter this month between two of the most civilized and gentle people I have ever divorced. As we went through the final papers and documents that needed to be reviewed and signed, they were patient and kind with each other. The wife’s older brother drove 6 hours to be at the courtContinueContinue reading “When Every Dollar Was a Hand Grenade”
Category Archives: Divorce
Quick Tip for an Easier Divorce Process: Divide and Conquer
I am working with a woman whose divorce seems to keep getting crazier instead of calmer. When the process began, they had two small children, a mountain of debt, and no jobs.Now, the kids are a bit older; the parents both have good jobs, and they have been paying down their debt. Things should beContinueContinue reading “Quick Tip for an Easier Divorce Process: Divide and Conquer”
The High Costs of Non-Compliance
Recently, I was sitting in the conference room at my office, meeting with a husband and a wife who were signing their final agreement, we’ll call them Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. We were reviewing terms, crossing Ts and dotting Is, and getting ready to go before the Judge for our hearing. The hearing will beContinueContinue reading “The High Costs of Non-Compliance”
The Emotional End of Your Divorce
You remember those parties that at the end of the night, when everyone has gone, and the lights are on, and there is just a mess lying everywhere, and you know you should go to bed, but instead you linger? Not quite cleaning up; done eating, drinking, and dancing. Just sort of wandering throughContinueContinue reading “The Emotional End of Your Divorce”
The Advantages of a Long-Distance Divorce
My client just left on a cruise. Her kids are grown; her divorce is underway; and she does not want to sit here every day from now until the divorce date fighting over the nitty-gritty with her husband. Nor should she. She has empowered her financial advisor (who is a certified divorce mediator) to bargainContinueContinue reading “The Advantages of a Long-Distance Divorce”
Custody, Visitation, Residency, and Child Support
I spoke with a young man today; we’ll call him “Herman.” Herman is happily married with two pre-school age children from this marriage. He also has a 14 year old son from a prior relationship. We’ll call the son “Anthony,” and his mother “Tina.” Tina and Herman were never married; I’m not even sure theyContinueContinue reading “Custody, Visitation, Residency, and Child Support”
The Benefits and Accountability of Divorce
Until divorce was codified marriages were often brutal. Even today, we read stories about countries in which divorces are so difficult that women are murdered (sometimes by their mothers-in-law) because it is easier, and cheaper, than divorce. Without the possibility of divorce there is little, if any, accountability within a marriage. And while you mightContinueContinue reading “The Benefits and Accountability of Divorce”
The Pennsylvania Alimony Chart (Or – Why to Hire a Good Attorney)
Attorney Jones and her client Mr. Bob walk into the conference room at Attorney Jones’ Connecticut law office. They are expecting to take Mrs. Bob’s deposition today; and they have hired a court stenographer to record the proceedings. Mrs. Bob is sitting there, alone, with a manila folder of papers on the table in frontContinueContinue reading “The Pennsylvania Alimony Chart (Or – Why to Hire a Good Attorney)”
(The Politics of) “Dad’s New Girlfriend”
Is there ever a reason why you would encourage your child to be friendly with your spouse’s new “significant other?” Maybe. Take this True or False Quiz to see if there ever is for you: 1. My ex-husband is such a wimp that his new wife will be the one controlling their purse strings. TrueContinueContinue reading “(The Politics of) “Dad’s New Girlfriend””
December Dilemmas
Sometimes it is difficult to separate the best interest of the minor child from our own best interests. Here is a secret: they are very seldom the same thing. While you are going through (or about to go through) a divorce or legal separation is a time to be extra cautious about keeping everyone’s interestsContinueContinue reading “December Dilemmas”
Love Your Divorce 