Call on us for
personalized
family law solutions
to your complex
legal matters …
when it matters most
Did you know that today, 50% of marriages end in divorce? And on average marriage dissolution occurs around the 8th year of marriage. Mind-blowing isn’t it? Studies show that the top reasons for a marriage breakup includes, but are not limited to:
- Lack of commitment
- Too much arguing
(usually over finances) and - Infidelity.
Uncertainty, worry, even fear … these are ridiculously common emotions when someone is going through a divorce … fighting for alimony or child support … even the victim of domestic altercation.
As your dedicated advocates, counselors and trusted advisors, The Law Offices of Scott Garver, LLC offers you access to a compassionate, yet aggressive family law attorney dedicated to protecting your rights and advancing your legal interests.
Marital and/or Family Law is a very broad area of practice; and at the client-centered Law Offices of Scott Garver, we are equipped to handle all aspects of your family law case.
Best of all—Attorney Scott Garver is accessible, responsive, timely—a respected professional.
The Law Offices of Scott Garver are committed to enhancing your position, improving your situation so that you come out of this better … stronger … smarter!
About Scott Garver …
Admitted to practice:
State of Connecticut since 1975
Memberships:
Connecticut Bar Association;
Sections of Family Law, Criminal Justice, and Bankruptcy
American Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce
Education:
Brown University. Providence, R.I., AB. Degree, 1972
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington D.C. JD Degree, 1975
If you are considering divorce … or
have been told your spouse wants a divorce,
what should you do?
Sadly, not every relationship ends ‘happily ever after.’ You’re mind’s racing with a boatload of uncertainties. It’s perfectly natural at this time to feel confused … even scared at what your future holds for you. We get it!
And if you’re on the receiving end of being served divorce papers, you might even feel blind sided by it. Now what? Getting “high touch,” attentive legal representation that’s the right fit for you and your family’s needs will be an excellent first step.
In an effort to make this upsetting event a more comfortable one, The Law Offices of Scott Garver, LLC offers you to
Call us now 860.518.3039
for a FREE, no obligation consultation
for a FREE, no obligation consultation
Unlike larger law firms, you are treated like you are our ONLY client. Our team uses understandable language to explain the legal process so that YOU feel more in control.
Our attorneys handle cases for both women & men that include, but are not limited to:
- divorce
- alimony
- property division
- paternity child support
- relocation
- domestic violence injunctions and so much more!
Fresh, compassionate, sincere, “high touch”
personalized legal representation …
inspired, insightful down-to-earth counsel
Clients always tell us that we are GREAT LISTENERS!
When you meet us for the first time, we encourage you to get to know us by asking as many questions as you’d like. We want to hear your intimate concerns and specifics regarding your divorce and/or family law-related legal issues. We are a “high touch” law firm … which means you are treated like you are our only client. You are NOT “just another customer.”
During our 40 years of practicing law, we’ve heard way too many stories of time and money wasted as clients sifted through lawyer after lawyer trying to find the one that best fits their needs. And yet, finding a competent divorce lawyer is key to what could be a faster, less-expensive divorce … as opposed to a long, drawn-out emotional and financial nightmare. We are here to help …
Divorce is a highly personal and emotional process, the outcome of which will have a significant impact on the rest of your life. How you choose legal representation is as important as who you choose … so do not make this decision lightly. Whether it’s child custody and child support issues or asset division and alimony, our sincere, compassionate team is ready to advocate for your interests.
You’ve planned & worked hard for years …
you’ve made sacrifices.
You have a nice home … savings …
retirement … and great kids.
We’ll guide you skillfully through
the legal process of your divorce …
Clients always tell us that we are GREAT LISTENERS!
We are authentic, experienced advocates who have represented clients in all aspects of divorce and family law litigation. With approximately 40 years combined experience, our team is ready to carefully guide you through every step of the divorce process and beyond.
At The Law Offices of Scott Garver, we are equipped to handle all aspects of your family law dispute. Our attorneys regularly handle divorce, alimony, paternity child support, relocation, domestic violence injunctions and more.
Here are some skills & proven time-tested philosophies that our lawyers will bring to your case
Family law litigation requires a genuine, down to earth attorney who takes the time to understand your life and your family. At The Law Offices of Scott Garver, that’s exactly how we approach every relationship with our clients.
With few exceptions, every divorce case is unique. And you’ll have access to an empathetic and experienced attorney who is client-centered. Our legal team wants to fully understand your individual family dynamic—including your relationships with your spouse, your children, your business, your assets and your liabilities.
Clients appreciate our practice because our family law attorney is sincere and down-to-earth. Each is very well-versed and offers you tremendous attention-to-detail. The latter two points are important because there is a tremendous amount of “crossover” from family law litigation into other areas of practice. For example, it is not uncommon for a single divorce case to involve the division of real estate, business assets, creditors’ claims, tax consequences, equitable distribution, alimony and child support, and numerous other matters that you might not consider traditional “family law issues.” This is where attention-to-detail is crucial—“we promise to leave no stone unturned.”
At The Law Offices of Scott Garver, we have approximately 40 years experience working with a broad range of clients and cases. This means we have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly champion your cause.
Family law attorneys must walk a fine line between compassionate, trusted advisor and aggressive litigator. The Law Offices of Scott Garver are willing to wear each of these hats as your situation requires. Scott Garver is one of our highly skilled litigators and has produced consistent, positive results for his clients throughout the Connecticut court system. Knowing when to press the matter to trial and when to settle is a skill that can only be developed after shepherding many cases during his nearly 40 years of experience.
At The Law Offices of Scott Garver, LLC, we are your advocate, your counselor, your trusted advisor—and your attorney. Contact us today when you are ready to speak with us regarding your family law issue.
Call us now 860.518.3039
for a FREE, no obligation consultation
for a FREE, no obligation consultation
Here are seven amazing TIPS to help you choose your ideal divorce attorney
If you don’t know what you’re looking for in a divorce lawyer, then how will you know if you’re investing all of your hopes, dreams and money in the attorney that’s best for you? Contrary to popular opinion, Southington divorce attorneys are not all the same.
First … identify at least three
family law attorney options
family law attorney options
It’s a VERY PERSONAL DECISION. No matter how much pressure you feel to act immediately—don’t be impulsive—resist hiring the first lawyer you contact. Why? You’ll need to hire a lawyer that specializes in family law (divorce cases, etc.) and obtain the services of a litigator that’s experienced in the specific type of marriage dissolution you think is best for your situation.
Next: you need to choose an attorney that practices in your area. For example: if you live in Southington, you will settle your dispute in the New Britain court system. In Waterbury, you will go through the Waterbury court.
We can’t emphasize enough that you’ll want an attorney who has intimate knowledge and experience in the court jurisdiction that you’ll be assigned to. Otherwise you will be at a disadvantage because he/she will have a learning curve to negotiate the new court. His/her “learning on the job” will wind up being “on your dime” and you don’t want that because your divorce could cost more. Regardless of whether or not your divorce is headed to trial—your attorney needs to be experienced with the family law judges in your jurisdiction. This aspect is critical when it comes to any attorney advising you toward an appropriate legal strategy.
Find at least three divorce attorneys that you can interview before making your choice. Importantly, the attorney’s willingness to speak with you in a timely manner will shed some light as to their availability and attentiveness to you and your needs. No matter how nice or polite he or she is, if they do not regularly perform in family law cases … keep searching until you find an attorney who does.
Your ideal attorney should possess the intimate legal knowledge and experience you need for your unique situation. This attorney should not only help you understand the process, but he or she must communicate and negotiate well. Your attorney must possess the skills to solve problems creatively—especially on-the-fly and under pressure.
Interview and research your attorney list
Go visit the attorney’s website and see if their message resonates with you. Check and review their “testimonial” section to learn what their other client experiences have been like. This will often reveal much during your search. Once you’ve done your homework … then make your initial phone call to interview them.
Here are some initial questions you can ask a family law attorney prior to meeting them in person
… Ask about their experience and specialization within family law.
… Ask about what type of client they typically represent. Gender, personality type, income, etc.
… Ask about their rates (prices and payment terms).
Learn if this attorney is affordable. Divorce is a highly personal and emotional process—the outcome of which can have a significant financial impact on your life. Most divorce lawyers not only charge an hourly fee, nearly all require a retainer up front. Some lawyers will also negotiate fees based on anticipated settlements. Don’t waste your time or theirs meeting with them if they’re out of your price range.
… Ask if the attorney assigned to you will handle all aspects of your day-to-day issues.
The divorce process may also include the services/outside experts, such as financial experts/accountants, parenting advocates/coordinators, and appraisers for your property. Find out if the attorney has access to these resources and if any of these expert services would be needed for your case. After all, it will have an impact your overall cost of your divorce.
So take advantage of any phone interview by staying calm and asking as many questions as it takes to gather as much information that you need!
Once you decide to have a face-to-face attorney interview, go into the meeting having “realistic” expectations
Understand your divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of distributing your assets, resolving debt and settling any custody issues. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be “realistic.” Experienced divorce attorneys have heard and seen it all—what seems super-important to you today … will likely be inconsequential within the scope of the legal process. So be logical and practical when it comes to what results you’re hoping to achieve.
Your divorce attorney’s job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability throughout the legal process. While you might want them to listen to your tears, frustration, sadness or anger—that is not the job of your legal counsel. They are NOT trained to be your psychotherapist—and truthfully, most don’t want to be.
Since an attorney has higher rates than most therapists—and you are “on the clock” with him/her—you will be throwing away your money if this is how you approach working with him/her.
Remain focused on your goals not only for today … but for your future
No matter how much you were wronged by your former spouse, the effort and expense will not be worth it. Nothing good ever comes from being vindictive.
Your ultimate goal during your divorce case is to dissolve your marriagefairly and equitably. Refrain from letting your emotions get the best of you when it comes to negotiating over possessions and material things that don’t mean much in the big picture. If you do, your divorce will likely wind up being more expensive because it’ll take longer and be more litigious. Gaining possession of that forty dollar end table might wind up costing you $500!
Keep your focus on getting divorced efficiently, quickly and with as little financial damage, as possible.
If children are part of your relationship, your attorney must be compassionate and empathize/recognize the importance of your children’s well being. Your legal counsel must put them first throughout the legal process.
Refrain from making unreasonable child support demands or custody arrangements. A good attorney will help you devise an amicable number.
Know what you want for yourself.
Here are some suggestions:
What if you are the partner initiating the divorce? Before you run right out to hire a divorce attorney, consider other alternatives to traditional litigation that won’t wipe out your 401K and/or your kid’s college education fund.
Consider mediation (divorce mediation attorney) to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce. Mediation is one of the fastest, least expensive ways to get divorced. It works best when both parties are having an amicable divorce. See if the law firm your contacting offers you this option.
Or you might consider a “collaborative divorce.” A collaborative divorce is focused on negotiation with the important goal of preserving a co-parenting relationship, as well as settling your matters amicably.
Your last resort is a litigated trial. Typically, these are the most common during cases when neither side wants to compromise. Unfortunately they are the most expensive. So you need to determine what type of divorce attorney you need based on your unique set of circumstances.
Realize that any divorce attorney you talk to will try to steer you in the direction of their own specific expertise. It’s up to you to know what you want for yourself first, so take your time and make the right choice for you.
Ask if going to trial
is the best option for you
is the best option for you
In Connecticut, a fare amount of marital and family law matters are resolved amicably through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods. This is why it is important to have a skilled, trusted advisor counseling you on whether a settlement might be in your best interest; or when you need to force the matter to trial (to achieve your goals).
Lastly, look for any red flags!
Unfortunately, many attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to “close the deal.” While this is “your life,” it’s a “business” for most of them. There are no guarantees while you are going through the selection process. So if the attorney you are interviewing is making promises to you regarding the outcome of your divorce. No one has a crystal ball … don’t believe it.
If during your consult, the attorney you are speaking with is constantly distracted by interruptions—such as phone calls and emails—they likely will not focus their attention solely on you. And if they do it today, it’s highly likely they won’t focus on you during your divorce case.
Make sure the lawyer you choose acts and treats you with the respect and gives you the attention to the level you desire. It might be their business—but it’s your future that ultimately is at stake here.
DO NOT TAKE YOUR SELECTION DECISION LIGHTLY! Choose the lawyer that best suits your needs & wants
Don’t be cavalier regarding your choice of a divorce attorney. The divorce attorney you choose to represent you must be accountable, available, reliable, local, professional, knowledgeable, responsive and communicates in words you understand.
Your choice for attorney must be someone feel comfortable with—but more importantly “trust.” So align yourself with an attorney who supports your need for resolution and all the things it brings with it. Select an attorney who has a style that works for you and any family involved.
This is an important decision, and no matter how much you feel you are in the right and how much you are entitled to … there are no guarantees in the legal process.
If you follow these steps, you’ll likely find the right Southington divorce lawyer for YOU! Someone trustworthy … and has your best interest at heart.
