Divorce Lawyer Services

Cordell & Cordell works diligently to represent men in courts that are often biased against them. The legal system may appear to favor women when it comes to matters like alimony and child support when divorcing, but we believe every case should be addressed on an individual basis, with men having a fair shot. We have been successful representing men facing unique challenges across the country, striving to create a more fair and favorable outcome for your divorce. Take a closer look at how Cordell & Cordell can help with your divorce case and protect the legal rights of men.

Why Work With Cordell & Cordell’s Divorce Lawyers for Men

At Cordell & Cordell, we have extensive experience representing men in divorce cases against a system that can work against them. We take an aggressive approach to court cases and will stand up to courts and judges to protect fathers’ rights and your interests in domestic matters. Check out what some of our previous clients had to say about our services.

Real Stories, Real Empowerment

“I hired Cordell and Cordell because they represent men. I was not disappointed. [My attorney] kept in constant contact with me, day and night, even on Sundays. He answered all my questions and put my mind at ease. His professional representation in court blew my ex’s attorney out of the water. Got the judge and the GAL on my side. The best money was spent to keep my little girl in a safe and loving environment.” — Miguel G.

Aggressive Legal Representation Across All 50 States

Cordell & Cordell has an expansive team of handpicked lawyers who have experience representing men in divorce cases across more than 30 states from Florida to California. Our law office’s mission is to level the playing field in the family court system to pursue what is best for men and their children.

Standing Up Against Bias Toward Men

Historical bias advantage: Women have historically been disadvantaged in several areas of society, such as unequal opportunities and pay in the workplace, and this could actually work in their favor in divorce proceedings.

Judicial decision-making: Judges are meant to base their decisions on the presented facts of each individual case rather than abiding by current societal norms or political correctness trends.

Traditional gender roles: Couples that abide by traditional gender roles in which the mother is the primary caregiver will often find that custody, support, alimony, and asset division will favor the caregiver rather than the breadwinner, regardless of the father’s ability to care for his children.

Financial need post-separation: Under traditional roles, the woman tends to be financially dependent on the man and will need additional support after a separation. This leads the man to face additional expenses.

Empowering Resources & Workshops for Divorced Men

We care about men and offer the services we would want to have if we ever found ourselves in a similar situation. We provide multiple resources that divorced men can explore to answer questions about men’s divorce cases and divorce laws. Check out the following links to learn more about how your divorce might play out.

• Town Halls
• E-books
• Podcasts

Exclusive Focus on Men’s Divorce Services

Men’s divorce legal services are more varied than you might think, and we cover them all at Cordell & Cordell. The following are our practice areas from which you may benefit.

• Military divorce lawyers
• Gray divorce lawyers
• Divorce mediation lawyers
• Asset division and property division
• Contempt proceedings
• Legal separation
• Prenuptial agreements
• Spousal support, spousal maintenance, and alimony
• Child custody
• Child support
• Declaration of paternity
• Modification of decrees
• Protection orders

Gray Divorce

More and more couples are divorcing later in life, which creates a host of unique issues to sort through.

The longer a couple is married, the more intertwined their assets become, and the process of dividing property becomes more complicated.

Divorcing when you are near retirement age can also significantly alter the plans you have for your twilight years. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to access your retirement funds earlier than expected and may need to make plans to delay retirement or increase your retirement savings.

Information for Every Step of Divorce

Cordell & Cordell’s divorce lawyers strive to provide our clients with comprehensive divorce information and family law resources. This assists our clients in understanding the divorce process and knowing what to expect before consulting a family law attorney. A divorce can be a long process, and preparation is key in minimizing the length of your case.

Step One: Divorce Petitions

Before divorce proceedings begin, a spouse must petition a court for a judgment of divorce. Attorneys usually draw up these documents for the petitioner (otherwise known as the plaintiff or person filing for divorce).

The initial petition often demands much more than the petitioner expects. Do not worry if your wife claims that she cannot support herself and, therefore, wants you to pay all attorney fees. Attorneys often use the initial petition as a wish list.

In most states, the respondent (also known as the defendant or the person who didn’t file the divorce) has a limited time to file an answer. The respondent’s answer is usually brief, admitting or denying each assertion and asking the court to deny the petitioner’s request.

With the answer, the respondent often files a cross-petition or counter-claim to set forth his position on the basic facts and the relief he seeks. It is always a good idea to file a cross-petition; without it, the respondent could easily find himself at trial facing an agenda set by his wife’s inflated wish list. In most states, the petitioner has a limited time to file a response to the cross-petition.

Step Two: Temporary Motions

Early in the divorce process, parties may file motions for temporary orders to address any pressing issue that cannot wait until the end of the divorce.

But most parties make serious efforts to arrive at an acceptable temporary arrangement without going to court. Avoiding temporary orders will help keep down attorneys’ fees and possibly create a more favorable impression on the judge.

Related Article: Legal Separation Tips: Obtaining Temporary Child Support

Step Three: Discovery

Discovery is the process of gathering information that will build and strengthen your case at trial. During discovery, you will seek information to help prepare your case to present to the court.

But equally important is anticipating your opponent’s case. Winning a favorable judgment means you have to be prepared to deal with your wife’s allegations.

Related Article: Explaining How the Discovery Process Works

Step Four: Settlement

It is not uncommon for cases to settle on the day of the trial and, in some cases, even during the trial. The settlement agreement has important advantages. A reasonable settlement agreement may allow you and your wife more control over your judgment. Many clients prefer settlements to avoid the anxiety of wagering their lives on a judge’s decision.

Additionally, time and money considerations may lead to a settlement. You may wait one to two years for your trial, but meanwhile, both you and your wife’s attorneys’ fees will continue to climb. These fees normally increase dramatically as the trial date approaches.

Step Five: Pre-Trial Conferences

In many states, before trial, you might attend at least one mandatory settlement conference, also called a divorce pretrial conference. These conferences force the attorneys for both parties to discuss the merits of the case, with the benefit of input from the judge.

Often, it is during pretrial conferences that both sides fully realize the emotional and financial expenses of a trial. Afterward, they may approach negotiations more rationally.

The demeanor of the judge during these hearings is very important. After hearing an overview of the facts, judges in some states may offer their opinion of the facts and offer suggestions on a possible settlement.

Some states may require a mediation of status conference in place of the divorce pretrial conference.

Step Six: The Divorce Trial

Although fewer divorces go to trial, this varies substantially according to certain factors, including salary level, length of marriage, and the wife’s occupation. The length of your trial will depend on the time and complexity of issues to be decided. Your trial may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

The petitioner presents evidence first by calling witnesses and presenting exhibits. Once the petitioner “rests,” it is the respondent’s turn to make his or her case. After both sides have rested, the court may permit the petitioner to present “rebuttal” testimony by responding to the respondent’s evidence.

Opening or closing arguments in divorce trials are less common in some states, but some courts do allow them.

Step Seven: Aftermath

Divorce proceedings can unleash a torrent of emotions ranging from anger to anxiety to depression. But as difficult as this experience is, you cannot simply call in sick because your (and your children’s) interests hinge on your ability to push through and make rational decisions. So you must work to separate grievances that are meaningfully related to your children’s welfare from those that are offensive to you personally, however grave.

Remember that you are not walking this path alone. Your divorce attorney will be your key advisor and advocate, but many of the pivotal considerations are not within his or her province. Therefore, it is usually helpful to seek advice from others whose knowledge and judgment you respect, including a counselor.

Always talk to your attorney first. Friends and family may help, but they also might pour gasoline on the fire. Knowing when to tune in also means knowing when to tune out.

When Can I Introduce My Kids to My New Partner?

Most experts recommend waiting at least six months before coordinating a meeting between children and the new partner. Nancy Fagan, divorce consultant and owner of San Diego’s Divorce Help Clinic, says that six months is essential, but it must be six months of exclusive dating. For some families the time may be longer.

“If any of the children are still in pain over the separation or divorce, dads will need to wait longer,” Fagan says. This is to eliminate confusion while kids process their pain and grieve the loss of their former family unit.

Related Article: The Most Common Mistakes Men Make After Divorce

Contact the Divorce Attorneys for Men at Cordell & Cordell

The experienced divorce lawyers at Cordell & Cordell provide intelligent, aggressive divorce representation to fathers with a communicative attorney-client relationship. Our law firm is a community of talented legal professionals who prioritize growth and success in all our life roles, among family law matters. Together, we provide clients with the quality representation we would expect from ourselves. Get in touch with our team today (1-866-DADS-LAW) to find solutions for your legal matters with an initial consultation.