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 a happily-ever-after.
Evelyn and Steve were married for 9 years. They had three adorable children, ages 2, 3 & 5. Both were professionals. He worked as an executive for a music streaming company, and she as a social media maven. They met online and had a lot in common. The wife had come into the marriage with a lot more assets than the husband. He agreed to sign a prenuptial agreement, and was very supportive of her high profile career.
When Evelyn called me, it was a Saturday night and I was watching a concert online. She left a voicemail and simply said, “My husband has squandered all of our assets. I really need your help.”
When we spoke the next day she was not just angry, she was heartbroken. She told me she still loved her husband very much. She said he was a great father, had been a good husband, and she wanted to somehow stay married. She further explained during the COVID 19 pandemic the family had grown even closer, spending so much quality time at home together. She had trusted Steve to manage the family assets. Knowing now he had stolen all their money was surreal.
The problem was she didn’t know what he had done with $400,000. When she confronted him, he appeared ashamed, but would not explain what happened. After some investigation, she found out he had used the funds gambling and owed money to some very scary characters. Not only had he spent all their money, he had endangered the family. That was just not acceptable. She decided she simply didn’t know who he was, and could not trust him. She decided the marriage had to end.
Evelyn told me she did not want to drag this through the court system, because she needed to protect her high profile social media status. She asked me if I thought mediation would work.
Mediation can work if you have two consenting parties. So I suggested she tell her husband she wanted a divorce and wanted to do it amicably by mediation. He reluctantly agreed, and decided to try mediation.
I was able to successfully guide them through the process. Steve realized during our mediation sessions the pain he had caused the family and admitted he really needed some help. I was able to introduce him to a therapist on my team who specializes in addiction issues. Evelyn secured sole custody of the children, but was open to liberal visitation. Evelyn and the children stayed in the marital residence; their home valued at $800,000.The separation agreement was fair and reasonable to both. The divorce was successfully kept out of the press, and Evelyn recouped some of her money as the result of an agreement I facilitated.
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 Evelyn and her 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 to reduce risk and maintain safety.
I look forward to hearing your story, and helping you find the best possible solution.
Stay Healthy & Safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
New York divorce attorney Lois Brenner still has some appointments available this week.
Please call to schedule your FREE consultation now.
Call 212.734.1551