Preparing For Divorce

A divorce is a major event that will resonate across many different parts of your life. Your financial picture will potentially change dramatically. If you have minor children, the amount of time you will be able to spend with them will change as well. Before filing, one needs to fully understand that divorce is in fact what is wanted or needed. After exhausting all appropriate methods to maintain the relationship, proper planning is crucial. Failure to adequately plan for your divorce can create a number of potential issues that may impede the ultimate result.

Westport And Greenwich Divorce Attorneys Serving Clients Across Connecticut

At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, our attorneys have advised hundreds of clients at the beginning stages of divorce. Prior to filing for divorce, it can be very beneficial to undertake several actions, including preparing your financial documents. It is important to have copies of all information about your assets and your spouse’s assets. This may include:

• Prior tax returns
• Credit card statements
• Bank account information
• Business operation documents (including corporate tax returns)

This information is critical in establishing the value of the marital estate, which in turn will determine the equitable distribution of the estate, as well as related issues such as spousal and child support. These documents are especially important in situations involving couples with high net worth.

Divorce Attorneys as Advocates and Counselors

When deciding on a divorce attorney, you should focus not only on who will be your “advocate,” but who will also be your “counselor.” The role of advocate means that your lawyer will advance your position to opposing counsel and to the Court in a strategic way with the goal of creating a positive outcome. Given our years of experience, we are most capable of doing that at our firm. But the hallmark of our practice is that we not only focus on advocacy, but we act as counselors to our clients, shepherding them through a life-altering process that most have never experienced before. To be clear, we are not therapists and do not pretend to counsel in that context. However, the lines are often blurred in family law. What we do is perform with sensitivity to “hold your hand,” to answer all your questions, and to make you as comfortable as possible as you navigate the maze of divorce.

“What should I say to my spouse?” “How do I shield the kids?” “How do I protect myself financially?” “Where can I get mental health help?” “How do I address my substance abuse?” “What will my life look like after we are divorced?” These are but a few examples of the myriad questions we address as your counselor while advocating at the same time on your behalf.

Divorce is a difficult process for most. But we are committed at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC to making it as informed for our clients and painless as possible while achieving the best result for your case and for you, as your advocate and your counselor.

Preparing Children For Divorce

For couples with children, it is crucial to consider the impact it will have on them. If a divorce is imminent, children need to be prepared. This may include direct, careful, compassionate, and fair communication, or therapy and counseling.

Contact Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC

Our law firm is known across Connecticut for its considerate, intelligent approach to guiding our clients through the divorce process. Our lawyers work tirelessly to accomplish our clients’ specific goals. By gathering documentation prior to filing a divorce, you can facilitate the divorce process. Call 203-222-4949 or e-mail us to schedule a consultation.