The Importance of Precision in Divorce and Custody Court Orders
I sometimes have opposing attorneys complain that I take too much time, in the courtroom hallway, to talk with my clients and to review the details of proposed settlements or proposed court orders (which are often offered at the last minute in family-law cases, sometimes outside the courtroom as we're waiting to be called before the judge for a contested hearing or trial). I consider that criticism to be a badge of honor.
I do believe in careful and obsessive attention to detail -- and in planning for the future. For example, a parenting schedule that says, "Every other weekend" had better give a starting date for the rotation, or there is sure to be conflict months later as one of the parties gets confused (or feigns confusion) about which weekend is the 'every other' -- maybe seeking disruption around the time that the other parent has begun a new relationship or started a new job. That uncertainty, real or faked, can greatly disrupt family plans and trips and events, and turn day-to-day life into a grim struggle. You're probably better saying '1st and 3rd weekend of every month' instead of 'every other weekend.
The extra minutes spent carefully reading, adjusting and sometimes rewriting paragraphs and sentences in a parenting or divorce document can save countless hours and unnecessary expenses in the future -- as court filings and court appearances are avoided, and everyone knows where and when to exchange the children, and knows exactly how to make payments or otherwise implement the court orders.
If you've been divorced and you've been saddled with a 'Judgment,' 'Marital Settlement Agreement' and a 'Parenting Agreement' numbering over 35 pages in total, then you know how such overly-long and convoluted documents can serve as the fuel for unending litigation and conflict. You may have already been the victim of several 'Petitions for Rule to Show Cause' filed by the other side.
I'd be happy to talk with you about smoothing out your life, gaining the advantage in litigation and reaching your goals. Please call me immediately on my cell phone at 312-493-4241, seven days a week. We can set up an appointment to talk in person, and I'll provide you with my traditional, no-obligation case 'analysis' for $50. (Yes, 312-493-4241 is actually my cell number.)
- Kevin Johnson www.divorce.nu
I do believe in careful and obsessive attention to detail -- and in planning for the future. For example, a parenting schedule that says, "Every other weekend" had better give a starting date for the rotation, or there is sure to be conflict months later as one of the parties gets confused (or feigns confusion) about which weekend is the 'every other' -- maybe seeking disruption around the time that the other parent has begun a new relationship or started a new job. That uncertainty, real or faked, can greatly disrupt family plans and trips and events, and turn day-to-day life into a grim struggle. You're probably better saying '1st and 3rd weekend of every month' instead of 'every other weekend.
The extra minutes spent carefully reading, adjusting and sometimes rewriting paragraphs and sentences in a parenting or divorce document can save countless hours and unnecessary expenses in the future -- as court filings and court appearances are avoided, and everyone knows where and when to exchange the children, and knows exactly how to make payments or otherwise implement the court orders.
If you've been divorced and you've been saddled with a 'Judgment,' 'Marital Settlement Agreement' and a 'Parenting Agreement' numbering over 35 pages in total, then you know how such overly-long and convoluted documents can serve as the fuel for unending litigation and conflict. You may have already been the victim of several 'Petitions for Rule to Show Cause' filed by the other side.
I'd be happy to talk with you about smoothing out your life, gaining the advantage in litigation and reaching your goals. Please call me immediately on my cell phone at 312-493-4241, seven days a week. We can set up an appointment to talk in person, and I'll provide you with my traditional, no-obligation case 'analysis' for $50. (Yes, 312-493-4241 is actually my cell number.)
- Kevin Johnson www.divorce.nu
