When I first meet my clients, I make every effort to educate them about matrimonial law, and what their options are. A fair number of people misunderstand the law, how it works, and what it can do for them.

At one time marital fault was a factor in economic settlements, but that really is no longer the case. Getting even with a spouse is not part of the legal equation - equitable distribution, though, is. And that's really not what people have in mind when they talk about getting even. In fact, at one time, issues such as custody and visitation were a foregone conclusion. But the process, since the first equitable-distribution statutes were established in the early 1970s, has grown far more complex. Today we may bring to a case experts to establish facts and to strengthen a position.

There are some parts of my job that are challenging, and some that are frustrating. Sometimes I tell a potential client, after reviewing his or her situation, that they can't afford to realistically get divorced. That's a very difficult thing to tell someone.

My partner, bankruptcy specialist Bunce Atkinson, and I compliment one another well. Someone will come to me to discuss a possible divorce - and their situation may require Bunce's services. For a two-partner firm, we bring a lot to our respective casework.

And contrary to what some people believe, we are seeing more contested divorces, which wind up in litigation, rather than fewer. In one case recently, we were in court for nearly a month.

Obviously what concerns all of us in divorce law is ensuring that we reach fair and reasonable outcomes. We are all concerned about the families and about the children involved, in every case. Today the family is defined in many ways - there are second and third marriages, and blended families of all types. It's our job to make sure every divorce process is handled properly and professionally.