OVERVIEW
Family law is at the heart of my practice. It is different than any other area of law because it impacts the very core of each individual - their family. Whether the family is only two people, includes children, or whether the individuals actually marry or not, a person's family is the center of their individual world.  I understand that when difficulties arise in the family, an individual's personal world is in an upheaval.  It is my goal to bring peace.

I strive to minimize conflict among family members during any difficult and emotional time while protecting the rights of my client through zealous advocacy.  Preventing future conflict is as much of my focus as repairing any damage done, but most of my clients come with a desperate need for peace, which I do everything possible to provide as immediately as possible.

What distinguishes my practice is the degree of skill and compassion I bring to each case. I carefully evaluate the circumstances of each case, accepting only a limited number of new cases so that I can personally attend to every aspect of each matter.  I truly enjoy helping my clients do what is best for them, and I take the time necessary to comprehensively educate my clients as to both the legal and emotional ramifications upon themselves and upon the one's they love, of any actions considered.  This way, each client can weigh the available options and direct our course of action and overall strategy accordingly. 

I am a skilled litigator, very adept at handling contentious cases, but I also know from experience that the personal nature of family law often calls for an amicable settlement. I am extensively trained and experienced in negotiation & mediation and am dedicated to providing my clients with the best possible advice.  I am well respected by area Judges and by my peers and have worked on both sides of the courtroom doors.

Whether your goal is to get through the process as fast as possible, as painlessly as possible, or simply as cost-efficiently as possible, you can be sure that if I accept your case for representation, you will have a zealous advocate on your side that you can count on unequivocally.

My experience encompasses all aspects of family law, including:
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and related Criminal Law
• Child Support and Alimony Issues
• Modification of child support and spousal support
• Custody and Relocation
• Parenting Time / Visitation
• Property Division / Equitable Distribution
• Enforcement issues
• Settlement agreements

          as well as:

• adoptions
• bankruptcy
• arbitration and mediation
• appellate matters
• domestic partnership
• specific gay & lesbian legal needs
• cohabitation agreements
• wills, trusts, living wills, medical directives

Pretrial Procedures & Discovery Court Rules in Family Law, Divorce

GREAT NEWS:  Most divorces use the cause of action called "Extreme Cruelty" with the second most often used being based upon "Eighteen months separation".  A new bill recently passed to allow a less antogonistic cause of action called irreconcilable differences after only six months of separation.  This fits perfectly with our concerted efforts to help our clients in and out of the divorce process with as little animosity as possible.