When I first meet with a prospective client, they often tell me they are looking for a lawyer who will ‘win’ their divorce case for them. This is understandable, as everyone wants to walk away from their divorce with the best possible outcome. As an attorney I enjoy working tirelessly to achieve the best result possible for my clients. However, one of the most interesting things about divorce cases is that a winning result for one client, may be terrible result for another client.
This is because each of my clients have different priorities. For example, if I have a client who is in their sixties, usually their priority is walking away with as much of their retirement and investment accounts as possible. Conversely, a client in their thirties is generally more interested in liquid assets that can be used to pay down debt, or put towards a down payment on a new home.
Further, when I first meet new clients they’re often emotional, lonely and hurt. As a result, sometimes what they tell me is their priority may not actually be in their best interest. For example, going after your ex’s BMW that they love may be emotionally gratifying but it is probably not in your best financial interest. Thus it is important to work with a lawyer who can help you sort out your emotional positions, and positions that are actually in your best interest.
In my experience once a client is able to take emotion out of their divorce settlement, they are much more likely to walk away with a successful financial outcome that will put them in the best possible position as they start the next chapter in their life.
