Fall is underway! October brings colorful leaves, crisp temperatures, and spooky decor.

_{— Sandy and Cheryl}

How Much Will My Divorce Cost?

By Sandy Brooks

One of the first questions a client asks is, “how much will this cost me?” While there is no way to really know how much the process will cost, there are some significant factors that can impact your fees.

Opposing Party/Opposing Counsel. Unfortunately, there are some attorneys who are unable or unwilling to provide their clients with reasonable options and steer the case in a direction that will result in a fair and equitable resolution.

If the opposing party and/or their counsel is not reasonable or minded in resolutions and problem-solving, the cost will be higher than if reasonable expectations can be set early on. It is helpful if the roadmap to get to a win/win resolution can be the focus of the case. There are several processes that can be utilized to reach an amicable resolution without the need for litigation, which can be emotionally and financially expensive.

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Deciding Whether to Have a Prenup?

By Cheryl Hepfer

Deciding whether to have a prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a “prenup,” is a personal choice that should be made after careful consideration. While prenups are not necessary for every couple, there are several reasons why you might want to consider having one:

Protection of Assets: Prenups can be a valuable tool for protecting your individual assets acquired before the marriage. This is particularly relevant if you have significant assets, such as property, investments, or a family business, that you want to safeguard in case of divorce.
Clarification of Financial Rights and Responsibilities: A prenup allows you and your partner to outline each other’s financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage, including how you will handle income, expenses, and debt. It can provide clarity and prevent misunderstandings about financial matters.

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Cheryl, Sandy and some of their family law team attending the AFCC/AAML Conference in Washington, D.C. on the topic of Advanced Issues in Child Custody Matters.

Cheryl and Sandy with some mentees from the AAML Maryland Chapter enjoying some time at a local brewery.

Cheryl Hepfer was invited to speak at the IAFL Meeting in Santiago, Chile in September. Cheryl is a Past President of the IAFL and is known as a “legend.” Many Fellows from all over the world, and family lawyers from South and Central America were in attendance.

Pumpkin Bread

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 (15-oz) can 100% pure pumpkin

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Generously grease two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with butter and dust with flour (alternatively, use a baking spray with flour in it, such as Pam with Flour or Baker's Joy).
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined; set aside.
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until very light and fluffy, a few minutes. Beat in the pumpkin. The mixture might look grainy and curdled at this point -- that's okay.
Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
Turn the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly, and bake for 65 – 75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Fresh out of the oven, the loaves have a deliciously crisp crust. If they last beyond a day, you can toast individual slices to get the same fresh-baked effect.

Enjoy!

Sandra A. Brooks

sbrooks@offitkurman.com

240.507.1716

As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings. Sandy is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Cheryl L. Hepfer

chepfer@offitkurman.com

240.507.1717

Cheryl Hepfer is a highly-regarded attorney who has practiced family law for more than 40 years. She has been rated by her peers and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and as a top lawyer in the Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Super Lawyers. She is past president of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Her practice consists primarily of domestic litigation involving significant assets and business interests. She has a wealth of experience in complex cases involving significant assets and property distribution, alimony, child custody and access. She has significant experience representing owners of businesses and their spouses, and those with significant assets, and works with business valuation experts and forensic accountants to maximize the benefits to her clients.

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