Dissolution of marriage (divorce) is rarely easy. It can be one of the more stressful experiences of your life. There are many issues to consider, including distribution of property and marital estates, child custody and support, spousal support, and other matters that will make a difference in your post-divorce life. Complex financial issues can arise when divorcing spouses have unvested stock options or deferred compensation from employment, or when there is a disagreement about what is separate and community property. 

Our priority is to help clients through this process with expert knowledge. We aim to reduce conflict and to assist you to make the best legal choices during this difficult time. We are also mindful when it comes to the cost of dissolution. Litigation (court hearings) can be costly; therefore we work hard to find solutions to which both parties can agree without spending unnecessary time and resources.

There is a continuum in the amount of help needed to resolve issues in a divorce:

• Kitchen Table - Two parties meet one-on-one and decide what to do
• Mediation - Two parties meet with a neutral third party professional
• Collaborative Negotiation - Each party has an attorney and all four meet or exchange ideas
• Litigation - A judge makes a decision

Metoyer Law Offices can ably assist in any of the processes above. We can also provide a second-opinion to anyone "stuck" or questioning their current process to decide whether to stay in the current process or attempt to change the paradigm.

When circumstances warrant we may consider using the services of a private judge. Engaging a private judge offers a few distinct benefits: More control over timing and location of legal proceedings, faster access, more judicial involvement in the settlement and information sharing process, and enhanced confidentiality.