To obtain a divorce decree, a couple’s marital assets must be divided through a process called equitable distribution. In most cases, resolution of these financial issues is achieved by a carefully negotiated and drafted agreement. When that is not possible, litigating in court or through arbitration is necessary. In either case, the marital and non-marital assets must be valued, and when those assets are complex or difficult to value, I work with financial experts to help value and distribute those assets.

Many divorces involve the difficult and sensitive issue of determining how to raise children in separate homes. All child custody decisions, including physical custody schedules and legal custody decision-making power, must focus on what is in the best interests of the children. Custody issues are best resolved by agreement, with parents working cooperatively. But when agreement is not possible, I provide thoughtful and sensitive representation in court to help you achieve the best outcome for your children.

In some cases, a divorced party is entitled to alimony, which is a monthly payment awarded when he or she is unable to be self-supporting through employment or use of other assets. A divorcing party may also be entitled to temporary alimony during the divorce proceedings, before the divorce decree is issued. Unlike support to an ex-partner, parents always have a duty to support their children, and an award of child support is often necessary and appropriate to ensure that a child’s needs are met. The amount of child support is determined by complex statutory formulas based on the parents’ incomes, the custody schedule, and a host of other discretionary and non-discretionary factors.