Today's divorce process does not bear much resemblance to that when I started - back then the law was fairly cut-and-dried, and assets were distributed based on a name on the title. The only grounds for divorce was adultery. Of course, a lot has changed - it's certainly more fair and equitable. But with those changes we face layers of complexity no one could have imagined before.

While support and custody have always been central aspects of divorce law, now we are analyzing such intricacies as the tax advantages of certain asset transfers and the proper approaches to business valuations. The emotional element of divorce obviously is part of every case, and a good attorney's ability to be sensitive to and manage all of those emotions can affect the outcome.

To be good at our jobs, we have to be part economist, part sage, and part psychologist. We are in many ways a wealthier society than a generation ago, and we see some fairly impressive lifestyles - at least in appearance.

An upper-middle class family may lease two luxury cars, have an enormous house, a weekend ski condo and a country club membership - but they also have a huge mortgage, $30,000 in credit card debt, and other liabilities. When a household like that enters into a divorce, the only assets might be some pension funds and a little equity in the house.

What does all that mean? The expectations going into a divorce are quickly dashed by a harsh reality. Not only is the post-divorce lifestyle a big adjustment to the individuals involved - it can be an absolute shock.

Now that Steve (Schlissel) and I are practicing together, we represent probably more collective expertise than any matrimonial firm in the state today. And we have some of the field's most capable young attorneys with us as well. It's a great group.