As a family law attorney, I have a front-row seat to some of the hardest moments in people’s lives. The end of a marriage, the reshaping of a family, and the uncertainty of what comes next. What’s always struck me, though, isn’t just the heartbreak or conflict. It’s the strength. I’ve seen clients navigate divorce,...
Hannah Sommers
The Power of Listening: Why Great Lawyers Talk Less and Hear More
I remember a mediation where the two parents were exhausted, frustrated, and convinced they would never find common ground. We were stuck on a small but emotional issue. One parent wanted an extra hour on Sunday nights for drop-off. The other refused. I could have pushed harder on the legal points, but something told me...
What High-Conflict Custody Cases Have Taught Me About Co-Parenting
High-conflict custody cases are some of the most emotionally draining parts of family law. You have two parents, often deeply hurt and angry, each convinced they’re fighting for what’s best for their child. The stakes feel enormous, and sometimes the conflict takes on a life of its own. As a family law attorney, I’ve seen...
Behind the Scenes: What Happens in a Family Law Case
For many people, stepping into a family law case is overwhelming. They’re not just dealing with emotional stress, but also facing a legal system they may know very little about. One of the best ways I can help as an attorney is by demystifying the process. When clients understand what’s ahead, they can approach it...
Why Divorce Isn’t About Winning (And What It Should Be About Instead)
It’s common for people to walk into a divorce feeling like they have to win. They want to win custody, win the house, win the negotiations. It’s an understandable reaction during an emotional time, but this win-lose mindset often does more harm than good. Over the years, I’ve seen how focusing on “winning” can hurt...
The Day After Divorce: How to Start Rebuilding Your Life
When the paperwork is signed and the legal process is over, many people feel an unexpected wave of emotion. There’s relief, maybe even a sense of accomplishment, but there’s also grief, exhaustion, and sometimes fear about what comes next. The day after divorce is not just the end of a legal chapter, it’s the start...
Common Divorce Myths (And the Realities Behind Them)
In family law, I hear a lot of the same worries and assumptions from clients. Divorce is an emotional time, and it is easy to fall into beliefs shaped by TV shows, social media, or stories from friends. But holding onto the wrong ideas can make an already hard process even harder. Here are three...
Parenting Through Divorce: What Kids Wish We Knew
In the middle of a divorce or custody case, it’s easy for parents to get swept up in court dates, legal terms, and paperwork. But what’s often lost in all of it is the most important voice of all, the child’s. Over the years, I’ve sat across from parents who want the best for their...
How to Be a Good Client (And Get the Most From Your Lawyer)
After years as a family law attorney, I can tell you this: no two cases are alike, but the clients who get the most out of the legal process have a few things in common. Think of this as a little “secret guide” from someone who’s seen it all, the good, the tough, and the...
Lessons From the Courtroom That Apply Outside of It
I’ve spent years in courtrooms, at negotiation tables, and in meetings with families navigating divorce and custody issues. Over time, I’ve realized that many of the lessons I’ve learned in legal practice aren’t just about law. They’re about life. Some of the most important insights I carry with me today are ones I didn’t learn...