Matrimonial Law Practice

The dissolution of a marriage often creates profound stress and can have a significant emotional, financial and personal impact on many lives. In the past decade, new laws and societal attitudes have evolved and have substantially changed the way in which pre-marital, divorce and child custody issues should be considered and addressed.

Marital and family problems first affect individuals emotionally. As soon as divorce is contemplated, however, one must also consider other significant, long-term financial issues including pension and retirement benefits, executive compensation packages, vested and unvested stock options, and in some cases, the valuation and division of personal service businesses such as medical, accounting and legal practices.

The Matrimonial Law Practice attorneys at Rome McGuigan, P.C. have the experience and the temperament to help individuals in stressful situations. We have access to resources to properly assess the most complex financial situations and to negotiate and advance the rights of our clients. We assist clients in identifying and accounting for all assets of the marriage and in maximizing property settlements. Attorneys with corporate and finance experience help analyze the impact of closely held family businesses. Those with tax knowledge evaluate the tax consequences of alimony and child support payments and of liquidation of stocks and retirement accounts. Others with employment expertise provide analysis on employee benefits.

In addressing the intensely personal issues surrounding the dissolution of a marriage, attorneys in our Matrimonial Law Practice help clients minimize public notoriety and exposure. Clients have access to our attorneys and support staff as questions arise and problems occur.

We help individuals in the area of domestic disputes that may lead to criminal consequences under the Family Violence Act. Our attorneys negotiate client access to their children or grandchildren to preserve these important relationships. Attorney Debra Ruel has extensive trial experience and serves as Special Master in several Judicial Districts, including the Regional Family Trial Docket in Middletown. She is also actively involved in the Children's Law Center, which is dedicated to the legal representation of children.

Each matrimonial client benefits from our substantial experience in the court system, including interaction with Family Relations officers and obtaining and utilizing expert witnesses on issues of custody and financial analysis.

If the potential exists for more favorable results, the firm will engage private mediation for our matrimonial clients. If you are considering divorce or if you have been served with divorce papers, it is critical to seek legal advice immediately before your rights are compromised. The attorneys at Rome McGuigan, P.C. will provide, with understanding and competency, effective legal representation.

Matrimonial Law Services

• Prenuptial agreements
• Dissolution of marriage and annulment
• Alimony
• Child support
• Custody and visitation
• Domestic violence
• Legal separation
• Post-divorce modification of alimony, support and custody
• Post-divorce contempt proceedings
• Interstate custody disputes
• Representation of minor children
• Grandparents' rights
• Relocation issues
• Appeals
• Divorce mediation and arbitration

Attorneys in this practice area