Feedback on different attorneys @ Cooper, Ginsberg, Gray?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used attorneys @ Cooper, Ginsberg, Gray? If so, who -- and what was your experience (the good and the bad)?

Are there any you think are better suited to a somewhat complicated, high income difference situation (SAHM)?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

^

[Anonymous]

I used Heather Cooper. We didn’t go to court, so not super complicated, but I found her very realistic and patient, and good at explaining my options. She has also recommended several other lawyers to me (a mediator and an estate attorney) that are fabulous as well which counts in her favor, too!

[Anonymous]

Nathan is great if you think you will litigate. He helped a friend with an emergency situation (ex trying to move abroad with a child).

Stephanie is great if you want to do collaborative divorce (it's a new process focused on the best outcome)

[Anonymous]

Not new. Are you Stephanie?! Hi.

[Anonymous]

What is his income ?
What are your expenses on an average month?
What are your assets?
Ages of kids?


If you are not over well 5M collective net work (I personally would exclude retirement in this calculation) I don’t think going toe to toe in court is worth it in VA because of the cost offset: Your lawyers can take $100,000 of your cash over two years. That is a big cut.

We would not accept that in any other service.

Re family care: If he says he wants the kids, call his bluff. Let him “have” that immediately.

No man wants children while they are dating. And nannies- they are a pain in the butt as any family manager will tell you. Men can handle some child care in the short term but they will quickly call you. It’s a bluff.


eg This of this like Fake leverage in the divorce lawyers bag of tricks. Just like every item in the “fault” divorce actions allowed in Virginia. it’s all negotiating leverage that EVERY divorce attorney tries (and sadly convinces a lot of nice stay at home moms to try).

The lawyers charge like crazy (think of car repairs by an untrustworthy mechanic). you have no idea how much it will tale or how long it will take— it is like no other service. You lawyer WILL go on vacation right when you want something done.

Finally, If you fail to pay your divorce firm, they may place a lien on your house in Fairfax or Arlington. That’s what they did to a pal who is in real estate. She disputed the bill because they didn’t do anything. She got through it.

So much garbage in Virginia divorce law because of the commonwealth’s legislature gave them so many claims to play with !

All the while your kids grow up. It takes about the same time as your contested divorce.

[Anonymous]

Finally, co parenting means collaborative parenting. Collaborative. As a rule, it is helpful not to go “scorched earth” when you want to collaborate with another parent in the present and in the future.

Some child/ and his/her brother/sister(s) do better than others.

Parenting is not for wimps. A family split and living part time in a second location is a huge blow for them. They will do it and many adjust and change.

I don’t want to worry you, but this is something NO lawyer told me, even though they feigned interest in my family. The best things that I learned was
actually listening to others and asking questions of adult children of divorce.

[Anonymous]

Op please use chat and Google to get a sense of the law in your state. There are typically fairly clear parameters about child support, maintenance, division of assets etc. It is really not that ‘complicated’. It only feels that way to you because you are emotional.

People without lawyers divorce all the time, and the system is set up so those people can divorce as well.

People come on here saying their divorce is so ‘complicated’ but it really and truly is not, and you thinking that will only ensure you overspend on legal fees. Trust me, I know.

- lawyer

[Anonymous]

I know that Daniel Grey was in my settlement agreement. For the mediation term. I recognize the name.

My NoVa lawyer included him in all her agreements, she told me, for this particular clause.

[Anonymous]

Yes, they can wear different hats. It’s a really interesting business they all have going.