The first questions I ask are, Why are you here? And where do things stand in your marriage? Three-quarters of those who see me have made up their minds to divorce. And most get divorced for good reasons; but the decision is always difficult.

Unrealistic expectations in divorce can be a problem. No one will receive 100 percent of someone else's income for child support. I may tell a potential client: Make your expectations more realistic or you may need a different attorney.

There are some new developments in the divorce process. Collaborative law is in its infancy, but it is growing. The parties agree not to use the collaborative attorneys to go to court. Generally it is much less formal, and we, the attorneys, take the position that it is problem solving. It recognizes that no one wants a big fight. It is cooperatively resolved.

Such creative approaches respond to the fact that the courts are the last alternative. The courts and judges are overwhelmed. There are far too many cases. That process can lead to plenty of indignities.

We've seen some change - to court rules, for instance - that may speed up the process.

I am a very good problem solver, and I make it my business to know as much about the law - and about a case - as possible. I let my client know what their options are. Finally, people want to be treated with respect, and I make sure that we do so; at such a moment in their lives, they are entitled to that.

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