As many of our readers in St. Louis are no doubt aware, some divorces are easier than others. In some cases, couples agree to split up by mutual agreement, and the distribution of assets is agreed to with nary an objection from either party — and the process is completed relatively quickly.
Other times, though, a contested divorce can drag out for an extended period of time. Depending on issues of child support, child custody, infidelity, allegations of abuse, and disputes over asset distribution, a divorce case can seemingly take on a life of its own.
One example of this is a couple in upstate New York whose divorce has been winding its way through the court system for a year. The case has been a complicated one for several reasons. Among them is the fact that the mother of the husband in the case is a prominent politician in the county where the divorce was filed. As a result, a half-dozen judges have come and gone from the case as a result of the potential appearance of impropriety. Eventually , the case was moved to a different county to try to transcend such issues.
Another complicating factor is the house where the couple lived. It was purchased from money received in a settlement regarding the botched delivery of their son, who is now 9 years old. He is profoundly disabled, and the house was modified to fit his needs. As a result, it is technically his house, and doesn’t belong to either of his parents.
Not every divorce case is as complicated as this one, but all cases have their quirks and rough spots. An experienced family law attorney can help to make sure the experience is as positive for divorcing fathers as it could possibly be.
Source: Times Herald-Record, “Bias charges, abuse allegations rock divorce court battle,” Chris McKenna, Dec. 22, 2013
