As a divorce attorney, and psychologically-trained mediator I hear all kinds of diverse divorce stories. I have decided to share some of these stories monthly with you.
Naturally, I will change the names and some of the details to protect my clients. The purpose of sharing these divorce stories with you is to let you know, you are not alone. There are peaceful, rational solutions available to you. You really can have be a happily-ever-after.
Ryan and Deborah were married for 7 years. They had two beautiful children, ages 6 and 4. They were both professionals. He was a physical therapist, she a dance teacher. They lived in in a large home in Westchester. When I received a phone call from Ryan in the middle of the night, he was angry, and sobbing. He left a voice message saying he wanted revenge, and he wanted it NOW!
During our phone consultation the next day, he told me that his wife was having an affair with one of her female pupils. I wasn’t sure if he was angry about the affair, or that it was with a woman, or both. He had found out from his 7 year old daughter who had been going on and on about Mommy's friend Fran. Some of the Facebook interaction Ryan found between his wife and Fran seemed more than just a friendship, so he confronted her. She denied it at first, but then told him the truth. To add insult to injury, it had been going on for 3 years. His wife immediately said she wanted a divorce and no longer wanted to live a lie. She was going to see a divorce attorney, and that is why Ryan called me.
They owned a home together valued at $700,000.00. Ryan had an inheritance from before the marriage of 1.2 million dollars, and he was part owner of his wife’s dance studio, as well as owner of his physical therapy business. They both had retirement funds, and a valuable Erte’ art collection.
Ryan then went on to say he wanted full custody of their 2 children because he didn’t want his children living with his wife and her girlfriend.
After he calmed down I told him that battling in court was not the solution in this case. I encouraged him to consider mediation because his case, and more importantly his family, needed a compassionate approach to their divorce. There were elements to this case that required some emotional sensitivity and fair and reasonable legal negotiation.
After a while, he agreed and I invited his wife to have a conversation with me about mediation. I’m happy to report, in this case, mediation really worked.
Eventually Ryan agreed to joint custody. There was an understanding the wife’s girlfriend, for now, would not reside in the home with their children. The house, dance studio, physical therapy business, inheritance, pension’s and art collection were all distributed fairly.
Ryan is happily remarried now and expecting a baby with his new wife. His ex-wife, soon after their divorce, broke up with her girlfriend, but it seems both Ryan and Deborah are in a happier place.
If this sounds like you, please know that discussion, compassion, negotiation, and solid legal guidance can solve your divorce problems. The untapped magic of mediation can really help.
If you would like to share your story with me, call me. I will give you common sense answers to all your divorce questions. I will help you, as I did with Ryan and his family, to find a silver lining, using my powerful divorce mediation method so you can move on with your life peacefully.
During the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic all our FREE CONSULTATIONS are conveniently conducted virtually by telephone or TeleDivorce by Zoom or Skype to reduce risk and maintain safety.
I look forward to hearing your story, and helping you find the best possible solution.
Stay Home, Stay Healthy & Stay Safety!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Attorney, Lois Brenner now to book your Free Consultation. 212.734.1551