Episodes

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Charleston divorce attorney Ryan Phillips talk about the different ways contempt can play a role in family law matters. Contempt can factor into your divorce in a number of ways. You might want to hold your ex-spouse in contempt for not following an order, or you might end up having to defend yourself against allegations of contempt. Mr. Trout and Mr. Phillips lay out what it means to be in contempt of court, the potential conse...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Andrew Ordyna-Pimentel discuss prenuptial agreements and what they can and can’t cover. There is a stereotype that prenups can be a precursor to divorce. However, these agreements are actual very useful tools that can help ensure both parties have their most important assets protected in the event of divorce. In fact, many of the most painful and costly aspects of divorce could be avoided with a strong prenupti...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Allentown divorce attorney Cara Phillips discuss the different types of relief motions available in child custody and divorce matters: emergency relief and special relief. Although similar, these motions have important differences and you should be aware of the purpose of each before filing. Mr. Trout and Ms. Phillips define each motion and go over scenarios where each motion is appropriate. Click the link above to listen to the...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout discusses the issue of double dipping during business valuations in divorce. This common problem in family law cases occurs when a court considers the value of a business during property division as well as the income generated from that business when determining spousal support or child support. This can lead to one party having to pay more than their fair share in support. Click the link above to listen to the full podcast episode...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Virginia Beach divorce attorney Maggie McNamara discuss child and spousal support provisions and the impact they can have. Many guys end up paying child or spousal support and these provisions can impact your finances long after the final divorce agreement is signed. Listen to learn more about how these provisions are implemented and what you should know about them as you transition to your post-divorce life. Click the link abov...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Richmond divorce attorney Jacob Smith discuss how dads should respond if their spouse flees the state with their children in the midst of a divorce or child custody case. It is not uncommon for one spouse to move away after a breakup, and if this occurs during the divorce process and involves children, then figuring out the correct jurisdiction for the case gets tricky. Mr. Trout and Mr. Smith discuss how the Uniform Child Custo...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Mount Laurel divorce attorney Anthony Paolini explain how in many states parents are required to financially contribute to their children’s college education as part of their divorce agreement. With the costs of tuition soaring over the past couple decades, many parents fail to properly plan for this major expense, which is often compounded by the cost of getting divorced in the first place. Mr. Trout and Mr. Paolini explain how ...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Bridget Landry run through what divorcing dads should know about child custody experts and the role they can play in the course of a child custody evaluation. During a child custody evaluation, experts such as psychologists or other mental health professionals are often called upon to help determine what is in the best interest of the child and make a recommendation to the court regarding child custody issues. ...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Tomekia Lee-Chaney define joint custody and explain how its meaning is commonly misunderstood. Some assume that joint custody is the same as shared 50/50 custody, but while joint custody entails some level of shared parental responsibility, it is not always an equal arrangement. Mr. Trout and Ms. Lee-Chaney explain the differences between the various types of custody arrangements and go through the most import...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Dorothy Walsh Ripka break down the role that a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) can play in your child custody case. A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a person – typically an attorney – appointed by the court who represents the non-legal interest of a minor child in a divorce. Their role is to look at what is in the best interest of your child and help make a recommendation to the court. While that sounds simple, it can be ...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Jill Massey walk through what to expect if you are facing a hearing for a temporary protective order and what you can do to prepare. Temporary protective orders are one of the most abused statutes in all of family law and once issued can have a disastrous impact on your case. Mr. Trout and Ms. Massey talk about what these orders are, what they do, and what you can do to prepare your defense. If you are faced ...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Marcie Patton-Coffman discuss the proper Zoom etiquette guys should follow when making virtual appearances for family law hearings. Divorce attorneys typically recommend tips when appearing before a judge in-person such as dressing professionally and being sure to act respectfully, but what about when the appearance is conducted virtually? Mr. Trout and Ms. Patton-Coffman cover the steps you need to take to mak...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Pittsburgh divorce attorney Richard Julius review the role that children can potentially play in the midst of child custody litigation. Any time a couple with children goes through a divorce or separation, custody is a major issue that must be sorted out. Common questions include whether or not a child can testify during a custody case and whether a child can choose which parent to live with. Mr. Trout and Mr. Julius answer these...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Kelly Burris talk about the role that an accounting expert can play in your divorce on the latest episode of the Men’s Divorce Podcast. Although many guys are reluctant to hire one, an accounting expert can be a crucial asset in helping your case. Mr. Trout and Ms. Burris discuss the uses of an accounting expert and whether it might be beneficial to you. If you are considering hiring an accounting expert to he...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Litigation Partner Lisa Karges give tips for how guys can better prepare for evidentiary and testimonial hearings. Many times, divorce attorneys fail to do their due diligence when preparing clients for these important divorce attorneys and it ends up being a critical detriment to the rest of the case. Mr. Trout and Ms. Karges explain what you can do ahead of time to help ensure you and your attorney are properly prepared. If yo...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Boston divorce attorney Andrew Ordyna review the most important financial statements to make sure you file during the divorce process. There are various financial forms and the procedures for each can vary from state to state. Mr. Trout and Mr. Ordyna define the most common financial statements in family law, explain what you need to know about them, and offer tips for ensuring that you have the forms filled out properly. If you...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Cleveland divorce attorney Carolyn Soeder discuss depositions and how they can be a valuable tool during divorce. Depositions are essentially one-sided hearings recorded and transcribed by court reporters that can then be used in a multitude of ways through the rest of your divorce case. The deposition gives your divorce attorney a valuable opportunity to gather facts that will be valuable to your case. Unfortunately, deposition...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Georgia divorce attorney Adam Sutton explain how the divorce process can sometimes play out differently depending on the community you live in. It is not often discussed, but many decisions regarding divorce cases are determined by the personal preferences and opinions of local judges, and that can vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If you are going through divorce and would like to learn more about the best way to p...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Baltimore divorce attorney Kumudha Kumarachandran discuss the process of hiring a divorce attorney. Although the decision to retain a divorce lawyer is often framed as a major expense, many guys end up costing themselves more money by going through the divorce process without legal representation. Having a family law attorney focused on men’s divorce is one of the best investments you can make if you are facing divorce. If you a...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Minnesota attorney Melissa Taylor discuss what you need to know about child custody evaluations. Mr. Trout and Ms. Taylor describe the ins and outs of the process, including how guardians ad litem factor into the process, why showing that you are child-focused is essential in a custody evaluation, and getting ahead about anything your co-parent may say about you. Cordell & Cordell continues to produce monthly virtual town halls ...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Texas Litigation Attorney Lauren Gilbert discuss the use of technology in divorce and child custody cases. Whether it is as simple as protecting yourself through the changing of passwords, or using text messages and emails in family court as evidence, technology can be a resource through the process. Mr. Trout and Ms. Gilbert talk about toll tags, location-based phone apps, and doorbell cameras and how they can be used to illust...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Nebraska Regional Managing Attorney Jerrad Ahrens discuss the benefits of using experts in family court. They highlight how a vocational expert can provide evidence of earning potential, as well as how this can play into the sum of spousal support. Mr. Trout and Mr. Ahrens describe the impact that hiring a business valuator can have in a divorce case, when there is a business listed as a marital asset. They also talk about hiring...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Florida Litigation Attorney Christina Wilford talk about the child support depository and how it is utilized in select states. Ms. Wilford describes the pros and cons of directly paying to the department of revenue, which houses the child support depository in select states. She also emphasizes the importance of always documenting any type of payment being made. Mr. Trout and Ms. Wilford highlight the impact that taxes may have o...

Cordell & Cordell Executive/Managing Partner, CEO Scott Trout and Texas Senior Lead Litigator Tomekia Lee-Chaney describe the role that juries and judges play in divorces. With juries being a rarity dependent on the state in family court, Ms. Lee-Chaney describes the use of a jury trial in family court as a purposeful way of determining custody. She also talks about the number of jurors used in a family court case, as well as red flags an attorney may encounter and point out during the jury sel...