I'm candid with my clients, and most of them appreciate it. I don't engage in crystal ball stuff - or try to sell a bill of goods I can't deliver on. In the first meeting I'll ask a lot of questions. I'll make an effort to explore the facts, explain the law, and outline the broad parameters of the process. But predictions are really out of the question - there are too many unknown factors, especially in the beginning. Which judge will hear the case? Who is opposing counsel? Outcomes are very hard to predict from Day 1.

I've definitely seen some changes over the years. Increasingly people think they are better informed because they read about divorce and divorce cases on the Internet - but reading the law, understanding the law and implementing the law are completely different things. And there are certainly more reports of domestic violence - whether there is actually more of it, I don't know, but the courts are full of such cases. They've grown exponentially over the years.

Addressing the intense emotions of divorce is part of what we do. We're not mental-health professionals; but I've been a practicing matrimonial attorney for over 35 years, so I've seen a lot. From the first case I've never shied away from recommending someone to see a qualified mental-health professional.

Monmouth County is a wonderful place to practice. For one thing, there is a lot of mutual respect among attorneys in the matrimonial bar. I love what I do because I'm working directly with people, at a time when I can really help them. Matrimonial law truly is a part of people's lives.