As a lawyer, family law is simultaneously enjoyable and frustrating. There are many divorce and child custody statutes and appellate decisions that interpret and define the law, yet family law outcomes vary widely and are often completely unpredictable. The primary reasons for this are the applicable standards: child custody determinations are governed by the elusive “best interests” concept, which is not defined by the law. This means that every child custody decision will be made based on the subjective notions and worldview of the judge assigned to the case. Likewise, the standard for alimony and property division is “fairness.” What does fair mean? It depends on who you ask, and in a dispute about either of those things, what is fair will be determined by a single judge.

This inherent ambiguity may be viewed either as a challenge or an opportunity. At the trial court level, cases are more about the facts, or the story, rather than the law. The law simply establishes the framework and ground rules for the case. Great trial lawyers are storytellers and teachers. 

I am board-certified for family law trial work by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an independent organization that offers national board certification programs for attorneys. My team and I are constantly working on trial skills and advocacy training to give every client their best shot in the courtroom. 

My divorce clients are typically the primary earner and often the primary caretaker of their children. In addition to those responsibilities, they manage the finances and the calendar. They face some exposure to financial support claims and feel frustrated about the prospect of paying a spousal support premium at the exit after years of carrying the load at home. More often than not, these clients are women.

If this sounds like you, I can help. Your multi-tasking and organizational skills, combined with your inherent knowledge and understanding of your marital estate and relationship dynamics, give you strong advantages in a domestic relations case. Your former partner will not change, meaning his legal counsel will be constantly frustrated by his lack of knowledge, proactivity, or plan. Together, you and I can put together a fair, comprehensive settlement offer to quickly and efficiently wrap up your case. If the other side is unreasonable or chooses not to participate, you will be informed, prepared, and positioned for a satisfactory outcome in the courtroom.

Don’t get mad… get everything. - Ivana Trump