Archive for June, 2011
Fool for a Lawyer
From the Bronx, New York City, MARK CRANE writes this humorous, and thoughtful memoir, the story of a subway motorman who fights to maintain his natural custody of his two children. Facing divorce from a vengeful and legally-savvy ex, the author finds a legal sinkhole developing under his feet, and a true modern Orwellian struggle ensues. This story turns the sanctity of the court system on its head, exposing its elaborate machinations, petty and devious, to the reader. Still, Crane succeeds in telling his very personal story of a Pennsylvania native finding his way to New York, trying to make sense of life and love. This father of four earned his BA from New York University. He has served as both Probation Officer and Senior Court Clerk for the State of New York. As activist, he has organized various NYC-based efforts to stop the Darfur genocide. Mr. Crane blogs at Motormanmark.com about matters both serious and humorous, as varied as politics and parenthood, public policy and home repair.
Charges dismissed against New York Times tech writer David Pogue and wife
WESTPORT — Disorderly conduct charges filed against Westport resident David Pogue, the New York Times technology writer, and his wife, Jennifer, were thrown out Wednesday during their second appearance at state Superior Court in Norwalk.
Published Jun 22, 2011.
Read more: Connecticut Post
How A Settlement Letter Before And During Divorce Court Can Work In Your Favor
Many fathers, before they go to divorce court, know that they’re going to be against an angry, spiteful ex-wife that will be out to get as much money and property as she can from him before agreeing to a settlement. But some fathers overestimate the spitefulness of their ex-wives and her attorney, and fail to attempt a settlement letter at all.
Although this seems like the least expensive way to negotiate a settlement and avoid costly court fees, many fathers skip this step altogether as they feel that it will never work, that their wives will “never go for it.” But many fathers have had a lot of success with settlement letters.
The key is to keep the letter respectful and informative. Let your wife know in a polite manner what you would like to agree on for things such as property division, child visitation, custody, etcetera, and lay it out on the table. End it letting her know that by no means will you give in to anything that you consider unjust or unfair. Slap a postage stamp on it and send it off.
Chances are, you won’t hear anything back from her. But persistence is key–send another letter two weeks later. No response? Send another two weeks after that. Keep going. Although this may seem repetitive and pointless, trust me, this can put the court case in your favor if it ever continues to that point. It shows that you have repeatedly tried to settle with your ex-wife outside of the court system, that you have been reasonable and fair in your offers, and that she has continued to push it to court. This can put you in a good light in the courtroom, and could easily turn the case in your favor!
Originally published here.
Dennis Gac