Although every case is prepped for potential litigation, the best outcome for any matrimonial litigant is one that does not require a judge to make the ultimate decisions affecting the lives of an immediate family. The key is to make sure a litigant has 'reasonable expectations' of what the anticipated outcome of his/her case will most likely be, given the attorney's understanding of the facts and law relevant to the client's particular case. Counsel should encourage clients to ask as many questions as possible; no question is "stupid."

Clients always appreciate an honest and candid cost-benefit analysis throughout the life of a case, rather than an approach that involves litigation for the sake of litigation. It is imperative to dissuade a client from harboring misconceptions about matrimonial law, misconceptions they happened to pick up from either a friend who went through a divorce, bartender, television show, etc. Clients tend to latch on to their own brand of research of matrimonial law as gospel. A well-informed client can assist counsel greatly in every stage of a case, as well as help keep his/her fees and costs down while going through the process. Unless a client is well informed, he/she is not in a position to make a sound decision regarding their case.

Financial issues aside, I strongly believe it is counsel's responsibility to make certain that parties avoid victimizing their children while they go through a divorce. It must be stressed that every child has the right not to be treated as a pawn or piece of property. A child has the right to the affection, care and constructive relationship with both of his/her parents.