An Interview with California Certified Family Lawyer Margaret L. Anderson
Margaret L. Anderson has been a family law attorney for 27 years. Her practice, located in Santa Rosa, California, emphasizes collaborative law. Ms. Anderson is a California Certified Family Law Specialist and a fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Ms. Anderson can be reached via e-mail at mlanders@sonic.net or via telephone at 707/546-4677.
1. What are the grounds for divorce in your state? Irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity.
2. Does fault (such as infidelity or domestic violence) affect the outcome of a divorce in your state? If so, how? It does not affect the termination of the marital status or the financial resolution, but domestic violence does affect the child custody arrangements.
3. If a woman is preparing for divorce what, if anything, can she do to improve the outcome of her case? She can gather information and documentation about assets, debts, income and expenses of the family and each spouse; begin career counseling and testing to prepare for developing a satisfying career to help create financial independence.
4. What are some of the biggest obstacles women face in divorce? Expectations that their financial situation and lifestyle will remain as they were during the marriage.
5. When should a woman take her case to trial? When shouldn’t she? Trial is seldom better than settlement. The emotional and financial costs, as well as the risk of turning over decisions to a third person (the judge) leave parties and the children, losers. If the other spouse is persistently refusing to provide information or make reasonable agreements, trial may be the only alternative.
6. How can a woman make divorce easier on her children? Keep them out of the conflict; never disparage the other parent; do not discuss the reasons for the divorce in the presence of the children; get the children involved in counseling.
7. What qualities should a woman look for in a divorce lawyer? Someone who is a family law specialist; listens as much as she or speaks; gives both the good news and the bad news, but doesn’t make promises about results focuses on self-determination for clients and has extra training and experience in settlement work.
8. What should a woman do if she disagrees with her divorce lawyer’s recommendations? Get a second opinion, and then listen more carefully and openly to what both attorneys say.
9. If you could impart any of your wisdom to a woman who is going through divorce, what would it be? Honor the good parts of your relationship; think of your children (or other shared loves) every time the two of you talk about settlement; speak and act from your highest self and strive to be proud of the way you move forward.
10. Are there any divorce books or resources that you would like to recommend to women going through divorce? If so, please list them below. An experienced therapist can be a huge help. Don’t rely on free legal Advice from friends or family. For books, see “The Good Divorce” by Constance Ahrons, “The Collaborative Way to Divorce” by Stuart G. Webb and Ronald D. Ousky, “Divorce without Court” by Katherine E. Stoner.
This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have questions that relate to your divorce and finances.
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Posted by ModDiva on September 18th, 2007 filed in Family Lawyer Interview Series, California |
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