Gary P. Graham
Divorce Law - Atlanta, GA

It's true that many of my clients are the spouse who for years has had to deal with a power imbalance in the marriage: They may have been dependent on their spouse's income, or close to it, and they feel especially vulnerable when the prospect of divorce is upon them.

There can be a cascade of change, all at once, in divorce, and I take my role as a steward, a manager to help re-orient my clients' life very seriously. If necessary initially we will refer a counselor or a therapist to help address all the normal but often traumatic emotions in divorce. There are others we may bring into a case as well. Estate and trust experts. Financial planners. CPAs. Even forensic accountants.

It's true also that there are more so-called traditional marriages in the Atlanta area, especially compared with cities up north. We see the power imbalance in many of our cases.

The broad objective of course is to make sure that my client not only feels supported - and stronger - but truly is. There is suddenly a new balance of power, where there may not have been one before. And when you feel less vulnerable, there is a feeling that you can think more objectively. It's easier to face up to the uncertainties, and make constructive long-term decisions. The fear of the unknown starts to subside.

When I meet my clients for the first time, I will ask them about their goals, what they want, what they feel is realistic. And from that first conversation I'll try to present a broad outlook, a big picture: Here's how, based on the information you've provided to me, I see the process playing out for you.

If I think expectations are not realistic, I will certainly say so. From the first meeting we'll plant the seed of realistic expectations.

All our preparation and communication - and yes, advice - not only helps our client, but all of that is a reality check for the other spouse. The other spouse is no longer calling all the shots, no longer 100% in control.

There are alternative methods in divorce nowadays - collaborative law, for one - but to a large extent we feel that kind of process, with no threat of litigation, favors the spouse who believes he or she controls more assets. I'm in court three to four times a month or so to attend hearings on such matters as temporary support and initial parenting agreements. I think the threat of litigation is a healthy deterrent in most cases.

I owe Shiel Edlin and the late George Stern a lot - they've been huge influences on my life and in my career. They really have been my primary mentors in the law.

Other lawyers sometimes ask me how can I deal with all the intense personal emotions that come with almost every divorce case. And tell them that's why I do it - it's a chance for me to do some good and make a positive impact at a key moment in my clients' lives. That's been satisfying from the day I started.

Gary P. Graham
"The broad objective of course is to make sure that my client not only feels supported - and stronger - but truly is."
Phone: (404) 256-0010
Fax: (404) 851-9081
 
 
Education
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, B.S.
Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson MS, J.D. (Cum Laude)
 
2024-01-24 14:13:30