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 that you are not alone. There are peaceful, rational solutions available to you. You really can have a happily-ever-after.
Simon and Kelly were married for 22 years. They had three children, ages 17, 16, and 14. They were both professionals. He was a real estate attorney, she a mortgage broker. They lived in a condo duplex in NYC.
When I received a phone call from Simon, who left a message over a holiday weekend a few months ago, he was very angry. He left a voice message saying he wanted a divorce, and that he could no longer live with being deceived by his wife!
During our phone consultation the next day, he told me that his wife was addicted to pills and was hiding a serious spending problem. They were buried in debt and their lives were spiraling out of control.
Simon had finally confronted Kelly and she denied taking pills or being responsible for their debts. She took no responsibility. She told him he was crazy and over-reacting.
To add insult to injury, she blamed him for everything wrong with their family. She actually started blaming their kids saying the older boys were using their credit cards and had run up the credit card debts.
They owned a condo duplex on Central Park West in NYC valued at $3.1 million. Simon owned a home in Paris he had purchased prior to their marriage. He also owned his real estate business and they had multiple investment accounts.
Simon told me he wanted custody of their three sons because he didn’t want them living with their mom and her drug addiction.
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.
After awhile, he agreed and I invited his wife to have a conversation with me about mediation. After our conversation, she agreed to try it. I’m happy to report, in this case, mediation really worked.
Just recently Simon agreed to joint custody. There was an understanding that his wife would seek treatment for her drug addiction which we were able to facilitate using some of the therapists that are part of my team.
Financial planners on my team were also able to counsel Simon and Kelly on how to handle the exorbitant credit card debts and create a path to re-establishing their credit and establish a payment plan.
If this story sounds like yours, please know that discussion, compassion, negotiation, and solid legal guidance can solve your divorce problems.
If you would like to share your story with me, call me. I will give you some common sense answers to all your divorce questions. I will help you, as I did with Simon and his family, to find a way to solve your problems and repair your family.
All our FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are still conveniently conducted virtually.
My unique mediation process is also a great solution during these difficult financial times to help couples move forward with their divorce while saving money.
I look forward to hearing your story, and helping you find the best possible solution.
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Attorney Lois Brenner now to book your Free Consultation. 212.734.1551