Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1506595
B y the time a client first meets with a divorce attorney, often times the trust has broken down in their marriage. Clients often feel like their spouse is cheating them in some way. But it's not always traditional cheating they suspect. Often clients believe — or even know — that their spouse is taking advantage of them financially. If you're concerned that your spouse might stockpile hidden assets or cover up extravagant spending, or if you believe he or she will accuse you of doing the same, it's essential to work with a divorce attorney who understands how to gather the evidence necessary to reveal the truth and protect your interests. "Clients should organize the information that informs their suspicions as best they can and provide it to their attorney," says Lee Budner, partner at Calabrese Budner. "From there, the attorney can help evaluate concerns and create a game plan for addressing them." Budner has made a name for himself in family court through professionalism, client advocacy, and strategic thinking. He is also a former commercial litigator, experienced in high- stakes, multi-million-dollar cases, both at the trial court level and on appeal. This experience enables him to excel in high conflict situations, navigating complex property disputes and contentious custody battles. "I honed my litigation skill set as a commercial litigator, particularly in dealing with complicated discovery issues for which strategic planning is essential," Budner says. Fraud and Waste in Divorce Cases In a divorce case, attorneys for both parties should be on the lookout for three types of wasteful and potentially fraudulent practices: • Transfer of marital assets to third parties. One way a spouse may try to deprive you of your fair share is by transferring of assets to third parties, including other family members, business entities, or business partners. • Excessive spending. Excessive spending by a spouse during a marriage or during the divorce itself can take many forms, including frivolous expenses, extravagant purchases, and running up debt. If your spouse is piling on the expenses without your knowledge, you may be entitled to relief. PAPERCITY PROMOTION UNCOVERING THE TRUTH IN DIVORCE WHEN TRUST IS GONE 170