One of the first things I tell my clients is that it's a very sensitive time for them, and they need to discipline themselves about communication. All the back and forth - between you and your spouse, especially - is usually charged with so much emotion. All of that can cloud your judgment.

By extension, I tell clients to simply stay off of social media. The divorce process is no time to "stick it" to someone, whoever they are, or to broadcast your feelings or what's taking place. Nothing good comes out of that.

Social media is great for some things, but it's a terrible temptation - and source of problems - when you are planning to divorce. Start by taking your Facebook private.

Our job, to a large degree, is to take the emotions out of the divorce equation. As I tell my clients, there is a fine line between love and hate. What we do is assist in, and make possible, the dissolution of a financial partnership. Yes, I do assume the role of informal counselor or therapist - it comes with the job. We as lawyers learn to be a source of support, an emotional outlet, for our clients.

Some clients come to me believing that one size fits all in divorce. Many people simply don't realize how fact-sensitive all cases are. What your friends tell you, what your online chat room tells you, usually doesn't apply to you and your circumstance. Pre-conceptions, especially misleading ones, are stronger than ever.

Mary Cay and Tom have always taken a lot of pride in bringing practical and workable solutions, and Kristin and I bring the same approach today. Our culture as a firm hasn't changed. None of us believes in litigating for the sake of litigating. A full-blown trial is expensive - and it can be risky too. It's about working to achieve a result that you can live with - and build on.

There are trade-offs. The fact is we counsel our clients not to spend their life savings on matters that they may not even get for themselves. Part of the goal for us is to make sure our clients and the people around them come out intact.

My parents divorced when I was young, and believe me it was early education for what I do today. It certainly influences how I practice. For one thing, don't use your children or force them to take sides in divorce. Don't disparage the other parent - it's simply destructive. It goes back to the importance of disciplined and careful communication.

I've built my practice here - in Gloucester, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland and Salem counties. This is where I grew up, and I know the courthouses and the judges. Mary Cay Trace and Tom Jenkins showed tremendous confidence in us to allow us to practice together - and to take responsibility for the management of a successful practice. I worked hard to get to where I am. I'm very proud of that.